American Idol 2025 is down to its Top 8 contenders for the title. And tonight, the competition continues as they take the stage to perform songs secretly selected by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood in the “Judge’s Song Contest.”
The “Judge’s Song Contest” is when each of the judges selects a song that they think would demonstrate the vocal skills of the artist, and then from the three songs, the artist selects one to perform. At the end of the night, the score is totaled, and one of the judges wins the acknowledgement of best knowing this season’s Idol talent. Luke and Lionel tied for the win with three songs each.
Then America voted live for the Top 7, which were revealed at the end of the show, but with a twist! For this elimination, America’s votes count for the Top 6, and then the judges save one more singer. Check out our spoiler-filled recap to find out how everything went down.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
Who went home tonight on American Idol 2025 Top 8?
Josh King
Advancing artists tonight on American Idol 2025 Top 8
Breanna Nix
Gabby Samone
Jamal Roberts
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt (Judges save)
Slater Nalley
Thunderstorm Artis
Related:American Idol 2025 Results Tonight: Who Went Home and Who Made the Top 8 Tonight?
Here’s how the night broke down:
Breanna Nix
Song:“Independence Day” by Martina McBride (chosen by Luke)
Luke said: “As I’ve heard your voice through the years, it has that Martina McBride purity. You just displayed that perfectly with that song. That is an amazingly challenging song. I didn’t understand the emotional ties you had to that song. And I’m sure you were thinking about that. Missing a word or two is no big deal. The ease at which you hit those high notes is tremendous.”
Related: American Idol Stay-at-Home Mom Breanna Nix Talks Her Star-Making Turn: ‘I Feel Like I Belong Now’ (Exclusive)
Mattie Pruitt
Song: “Always Been You” by Jessie Murph (chosen by Luke)
Luke said: “Great job. Listen, I think we’ve all heard that Jessie Murph thing in your voice. But I don’t think you have to worry about being compared to her like that. I think you have to take aspects of your voice and grow it but still sass, sass, sass. When I see Jessie Murph, it’s all sass. Try to channel some of that stuff moving forward. Vocally, it was amazing. But still give us more.”
John Foster
Song: “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait (chosen by Carrie)
Carrie said: “The reason I picked the songs for everybody is I’ve been in your shoes, and I feel like I know what will showcase your voice the best and what people out there want to hear and vote for. I was so right. That was absolutely perfect. Hearing you sing that song, it felt comfortable, it felt genuine. I feel like that was one of your best performances, John. And it made me so happy.”
Josh King
Song: “Home” by Michael Bublé (chosen by Lionel)
Lionel said: “You embodied that song. I mean, when I saw that song and I saw your name, I said, ‘The two of you need to be together right away.’ And the marriage was perfect.”
Gabby Samone
Song: “Hero” by Mariah Carey (chosen by Lionel)
Lionel said: “You have taken a Mariah song, as always, as you do, and turned it all into your song. You have a texture, you have a delivery, a stage presence that’s undeniable. And I’m just telling you, when I picked the song, I kept thinking, ‘It’s gonna be perfect.’ And you brought it to another level of ‘incredibility.'”
JAMAL ROBERTS
Song: “I Believe” by Fantasia (chosen by Lionel)
Lionel said: “You’re an emotional being. When you open your mouth to say hello to someone, it comes out so meaningful and knowing how you believe, it was the perfect song choice. Your execution of that song had me crying, had everyone crying. You’re phenomenal.”
Related: American Idol‘s Jamal Roberts Reveals What Song He Wants to ‘Bring Out of the Hat’ This Season (Exclusive)
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS
Song: “Faithfully” by Journey (chosen by Carrie)
Carrie said: You have such a uniqueness to your voice. I love Journey and I wanted you to sing Journey. If everyone else sings Journey, it sounds like karaoke. You understand that the road is no place to start a family. I had chills throughout that performance.”
Related: Thunderstorm Artis Reveals How His Run on The Voice Led to His American Idol Success (Exclusive)
SLATER NALLEY
Song: “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen (chosen by Luke)
Luke said: “Slater puts out the vibe of that kind of music. I listened to the band perform that and props to Bruce Springsteen for writing it. Your style, I thought you would pick it, and I love the way you brought the energy to it.”
Related: American Idol‘s Slater Nalley Reveals When We Could Next See Another Original Song (Exclusive)
Then it was time to reveal the results of America’s vote. Ryan announced the Top 6: Slater, Thunderstorm, Gabby, Breanna, Jamal, and John. And the judges revealed their save: Mattie.
American Idol airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streams next day on Hulu.
Next, Make Your Vote Count! How to Vote Online or By Text on American Idol 2025
