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American Idol’s Top 8 Revealed — Shocking Exit Stuns Fans


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American Idol logo.
Table of Contents
A retro microphone on stage

A Night of Gasps and Glory

May 4 felt like a storm rolled through American Idol. The theme was strong women, and the songs hit hard as the night took a sharp turn.

Two top names were dropped, leaving a heavy feeling in the room. What started boldly ended in shock, and not one person saw it coming.

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert Steals the Show as Guest Mentor

Miranda Lambert walked in and changed the mood right away. She spoke with truth and pushed every singer to dig deep.

Her advice was plain and real, which made the songs feel more honest. The night hit differently because she brought something raw that made the artists leave the stage stronger than they came.

Bonnie Raitt at an event.

John Foster’s Bonnie Raitt Cover Lights Up the Stage

John Foster showed up nervous but left with fire in his voice. Meeting Miranda gave him the push he needed to step up.

He sang with ease and owned the moment like it was his. That stage turned into his place, and the song felt fresh in a way that made everyone take notice.

Vinyl microphone and headphones.

Kolbi Jordan’s Risk Didn’t Pay Off

Kolbi Jordan took a sharp turn and gave it all she had. Her voice stayed strong, but the style was something new.

She leaned into a rougher sound and held nothing back. It was bold and true to her, but when the results dropped, it all came to a stop, and her time was up.

singersongwriter adele

Breanna Nix Unleashes Her Inner Diva

Breanna Nix didn’t just sing Adele; she completely owned the moment. She commanded the stage with a presence that was impossible to ignore.

Every note was packed with emotion and power, turning her performance into something unforgettable. By the end of the song, it was clear Breanna had just become a star.

Black stage with curtain and smoke.

Josh King Goes Bluesy with Adele Hit

Josh King used his voice to sing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” He tackled the song with a bluesy twist and added depth to it, giving it a new look.

Every note carried raw emotion and power that made it unforgettable. Judges were moved by how Josh turned a classic into something fresh and truly his.

Carrie Underwood

Canaan James Hill’s Farewell Was a Spiritual Moment

Canaan James Hill brought a deep spiritual touch to his performance. His gospel roots made “Love Wins” feel more powerful and emotional.

Carrie Underwood herself praised Canaan for how he captured the heart of the song. Sadly, the votes didn’t follow his powerful performance, and his journey on “American Idol” ended unexpectedly.

Luke Bryan attends the 2015 CMT Music Awards.

Thunderstorm Artis Hits New Emotional Heights

Thunderstorm Artis took “When We Were Young” and made it his own. His voice brought deep emotion that made the song feel personal.

Luke Bryan called it Thunderstorm’s best performance yet, praising his ability to connect with the lyrics. With his soulful delivery and control, Thunderstorm created a timeless moment on stage.

Reba McEntire

Slater Nalley’s Bold Reba Choice Pays Off

Slater Nalley took a bold chance with Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England,” and it paid off. His strong vocals and control brought fresh energy to the classic song.

Luke Bryan praised Slater for stepping outside his comfort zone. The passion in his performance helped him secure his place in the Top 8.

A tattooed singer near the microphone and a blurred musician on stage.

Jamal Roberts Turns Heartbreak into Soul

Jamal Roberts took Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” and gave it a soulful twist that brought new life to the song. His smooth vocals and stage presence turned heartbreak into something powerful.

Despite a small slip in the lyrics, his confidence and energy carried the performance. Judges praised his passion, making it unforgettable.

A cropped shot of a singer holding a microphone.

Mattie Pruitt’s Guitar Debut Moves Everyone

Mattie Pruitt closed the show with a heartfelt version of “The House That Built Me.” She played the guitar on stage for the first time and took a big step forward.

Her voice was clear and full of feeling. The moment felt honest and real. Mattie showed that she is ready to share her story through music.

Beyonce at the world premiere of The Lion King.

Gabby Samone Channels Beyoncé

Gabby Samone stepped up with a strong voice and a clear heart. She sang “I Was Here” with power and pride. Her voice carried feeling and truth in every word.

Her sound was full and sure, which made the judges stand without a doubt. Gabby showed who she is and made the whole room stop and listen.

A shocked businessman is looking at the laptop.

The Shock: All Platinum Ticket Winners Eliminated

The show took a turn no one saw coming. All three contestants with Platinum Tickets were sent home.

Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill left on May 4, and Filo the week before. Now the field is wide open, and every singer must bring their best since nothing is promised.

Question mark heap on table.

What This Means for the Competition

All three Platinum Ticket holders are now out of the race. Kolbi Jordan left after singing The Chain and Canaan James Hill followed with Love Wins.

Filo had already been sent home the week before. This turn of events showed that each round brings a new chance, and no one is ever safe.

Silhouette woman singer in studio.

Abi Carter Returns with New Music

Abi Carter made a stunning return to the American Idol stage, performing her debut single “Burned.” Dressed in gold, she captivated the audience with her raw emotion and strength.

This moment came just after American Idol’s Easter Special featuring Jelly Roll and more. Abi’s performance was a reminder that she is no longer just a contestant but a rising star.

American Idol logo.

The Final Top 8 — Meet the Stars

The final Top 8 of American Idol Season 23 has arrived. Breanna Nix stands out with her powerful voice, while Mattie Pruitt brings raw emotion and guitar skills.

Jamal Roberts mixes charisma with soul, and John Foster connects deeply with the audience. Josh King adds a bluesy touch, Gabby Samone brings strong energy, Slater Nalley takes vocal risks, and Thunderstorm Artis captivates with emotion, all while Luke and Carrie’s secret is revealed, adding more drama to the season.

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