As American Idol Season 23 inches toward its grand finale, the competition has reached a fever pitch. Last night’s Top 5 episode delivered a mix of show-stopping vocals, heartfelt performances, and devastating eliminations that left fans stunned.
Two talented contestants — Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley — were eliminated, reducing the hopefuls from five to the final Top 3. With their departures, the stage is now set for what promises to be one of the most dynamic finales in recent Idol memory.
Let’s break down exactly what happened, who performed what, why the eliminations hit so hard, and what to expect heading into the American Idol 2025 finale.
The Eliminated Contestants: Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis
Slater Nalley: A Soulful Storyteller With a Vintage Voice
Few contestants this season brought the charm, narrative clarity, and throwback appeal that Slater Nalley offered. His unique tone and storytelling ability consistently set him apart, and his latest performance — “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story — earned high marks from none other than guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“He sounds like he could be cousins with Randy Newman,” Miranda gushed, drawing applause from both the judges and the audience.
This was a milestone moment for Slater: he performed without his signature guitar for the first time, stepping out of his comfort zone. The risk was bold and commendable — but did it backfire?
Despite the warmth of his vocal and the nostalgia woven into every note, Slater didn’t advance to the Top 3. His elimination shocked many fans who believed his quirky style and vocal authenticity were enough to carry him into the finale.
Why Slater’s Elimination Stung
Slater’s departure is a loss not just because of his vocal talent, but because he brought something different to the competition. In a season filled with vocal powerhouse moments, Slater’s subtlety and storytelling felt like a refreshing callback to classic singer-songwriter artistry. His exit leaves a noticeable hole in the emotional palette of the final round.
Thunderstorm Artis: A Fan Favorite with a Family-First Heart
Thunderstorm Artis returned to American Idol after originally gaining attention on The Voice. This time, he was ready to capture America’s heart — and for most of the competition, it looked like he had done just that.
In the Top 5, Thunderstorm performed “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”, the iconic lullaby from Cinderella. He explained that he sings this song to his children at bedtime, and seeing his little ones snoozing in the audience added a heartwarming, cinematic quality to the night.
The performance was ethereal, emotional, and technically superb — so his elimination came as a gut punch to many viewers.
“After his gorgeous tribute to his wife and his kids, Thunderstorm seemed like a lock for the Top 3,” one fan wrote online. “We’re crushed.”
Why Thunderstorm’s Exit Surprised Fans
Thunderstorm combined soul, storytelling, and stage presence in a way that few others did this season. His ability to emotionally connect with both the audience and the material made him a finalist in spirit, even if the votes didn’t reflect it. His family-first attitude, grounded demeanor, and masterful musicianship will be missed deeply in the finale.
The Final Three: John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Williams
With Slater and Thunderstorm gone, three artists remain to battle for the American Idol crown: John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Williams. Let’s look at what they brought to the Top 5 performances and why they made it through.
John Foster: From Underdog to Front-Runner
In earlier rounds, John Foster may not have been the obvious fan favorite. But as the season progressed, so did his confidence, vocal finesse, and showmanship.
In the Top 5 episode, he performed “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book — a playful and unexpected choice that showcased his versatility. His charisma and polished vocals proved he’s not just a technically proficient singer; he’s a full-blown entertainer.
What Makes John a Finalist Threat
John’s consistency and steady rise throughout the season show that he’s listening to feedback and adapting smartly. He’s now peaking at just the right time — a huge advantage heading into the finale.
Breanna Nix: Emotional Firepower and Stage Command
Breanna brought raw emotion and flawless technique to her Top 5 performances. She tackled two massive songs: “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan and “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”. Both numbers allowed her to flex different sides of her voice — one intimate and soulful, the other jubilant and bright.
Judges praised her for blending precision with heart. She is, without question, the most polished vocalist remaining in the competition.
Why Breanna Is a Likely Finalist
Breanna has the range, the poise, and the narrative. She’s been vulnerable when it mattered and bold when the spotlight called for it. She might be the contestant to beat heading into Sunday night’s grand finale.
Jamal Williams: The Performer Who Won America’s Heart
Jamal is that rare Idol contestant who transcends genre. In the Top 5, he delivered powerful renditions of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Beauty and the Beast”, showing both vocal prowess and stage charisma.
What’s notable about Jamal is how he makes even the most familiar songs feel new. There’s a warmth and passion to his performances that energizes the room.
Jamal’s Secret Weapon: Soul and Relatability
With a unique ability to connect across age groups and musical tastes, Jamal has built a strong fan base that could carry him to the title. His authenticity makes every lyric believable, and that’s a rare gift.
A Night of Disney Magic and Vocal Power
Why the Top 5 Show Mattered So Much
This wasn’t just any elimination round — it was Disney Night, a tradition on American Idol that tests not just vocal ability but also storytelling and performance charm. Every remaining contestant had to walk the line between theatrical and emotional, and each made distinct choices about how to approach the theme.
A Recap of the Song Selections
- John Foster: “The Bare Necessities” (The Jungle Book)
- Breanna Nix: “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Tarzan), “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”
- Jamal Williams: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Beauty and the Beast”
- Slater Nalley: “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (Toy Story)
- Thunderstorm Artis: “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (Cinderella)
The evening was filled with nostalgia, artistry, and risk-taking, and while the eliminations were painful, the level of talent on display was undeniable.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Guest Mentor Who Raised the Bar
The Broadway Legend Brings Perspective and Passion
Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t just a genius lyricist and composer — he’s also a champion of performance authenticity. As a guest coach, Miranda pushed contestants to connect with the material, not just hit the right notes.
His praise of Slater’s unique tone and his insights on performance dynamics helped elevate the night’s show quality. His presence reminded contestants that in this business, emotional truth is everything.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Finale
The Final Showdown: May 18 at 8/7c on ABC
The Season 23 finale will air Sunday, May 18, at 8/7c on ABC, and the Top 3 — Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Williams — will each perform for the title.
Expect
- Original songs
- Fan-favorite reprises
- Special guest performances
- One final live vote
With the talent pool this strong, it’s anyone’s game. Each finalist brings something unique to the stage, and how they handle the finale pressure could decide their future careers.
The Impact of Thunderstorm and Slater: Why Their Journeys Matter
Beyond the Competition
While Slater and Thunderstorm won’t compete in the finale, their contributions to Season 23 won’t be forgotten. Both brought artistry, soul, and genuine love for music. In a show that increasingly values viral potential and big moments, their quieter, more meaningful styles offered a refreshing alternative.
They leave with legacies — of integrity, musical excellence, and hearts too big for just one season.
Conclusion: A Season of Surprises, Soul, and Stardom
American Idol Season 23 has proven to be one of the most emotionally charged and vocally competitive editions in recent years. Last night’s Top 5 episode reminded viewers that talent alone isn’t always enough — but storytelling, connection, and vulnerability matter just as much.
With Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis now part of the show’s rich alumni, and with Breanna, John, and Jamal vying for the crown, the finale promises a showdown for the ages.
Don’t miss it. Whether you’re here for the music, the drama, or the emotional rollercoaster, this season of American Idol has something for everyone — and it’s not over yet.
