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American Idol aired episode 13 on April 27, 2025, where contestants performed in front of a live audience. Only 14 hopefuls remained in the running to win the competition, which includes a $125,000 prize and a recording contract.
The remaining contestants were Filo, Mattie Pruitt, John Foster, Desmond Roberts, Jamal Roberts, Amanda Barise, Canaan James Hill, Josh King, Thunderstorm Artis, Gabby Samone, Breanna Nix, Kolbi Jordan, Ché, and Slater Nalley.
During the episode, it was revealed that the Top 14 contestants would perform for America's vote, with guest mentor James Taylor guiding them. The singers took on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends, as judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan shared their feedback.
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By the end of the latest episode, two contestants were eliminated based on 19 million American votes. Amanda Barise, who performed I Can't Help It by Michael Jackson, was the first eliminated. Desmond Roberts, who performed Jesus is Love by the Commodores, was the second eliminated contestant of the night.
What other events happened on American Idol season 23 episode 13?
The April 27 episode of American Idol kicked off by announcing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees, which included Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, and several other artists. Carrie Underwood opened the show with a performance of Heart's Alone, a song she had performed on the show 18 years ago as a contestant herself.
The Top 14 contestants performed throughout the night. Filo sang The Beatles' With a Little Help from My Friends. The judges praised Filo's performance, with Lionel Richie dubbing it a "smackdown." Mattie Pruitt performed Janis Joplin's Piece of My Heart, with Carrie Underwood praising the song choice and Lionel saying it was Mattie's favorite performance of hers.
John Foster performed Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock, and Carrie stated that John made it his own. Desmond Roberts sang The Commodores' Jesus is Love, and Lionel, who had sung the original song, remarked that Desmond found some octaves he didn't sing.
"I don't mind you singing the song, but you found some octaves I didn't sing. You tried to take my song!" Lionel said.
Jamal Roberts sang Shout, Pts. 1 & 2 by The Isley Brothers, and Luke stated that Jamal was "smart" for picking the song.
Canaan James Hill performed Mary, Don't You Weep by Aretha Franklin, which the American Idol judging panel loved. Carrie stated that the "vocals were spot-on," while Lionel mentioned that Cannan's high note made him sneeze. Josh King performed Billy Joel's The Longest Time on American Idol, with Luke Bryan dubbing his performance as "charming" and "endearing."
Gabby Samone sang Whitney Houston's Saving All My Love for You. Luke Bryan dubbed Gabby a "star" and claimed it was one of the best things he had ever seen from the judge's chair. Breanna Nix performed Journey's Open Arms, and Kolbi Jordan sang Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's You're All I Need to Get By.
Che performed James Brown's It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World, and Slater Nalley closed the night with Elton John's Your Song. As mentioned earlier, after the performances, Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts were eliminated from the competition.
Watch new episodes of American Idol season 23 on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.
