American Idol 2025 is down to its Top 10 contenders for the title, and tonight, they got guidance from guest mentor Miranda Lambert on their performances of songs inspired by iconic women of music. Lambert performed her hit “Kerosene,” celebrating its 20th anniversary.
In addition, American Idol winner Abi Carter stopped by to sing her new single “Burned.”
Then America voted live for the Top 8, which was revealed by host Ryan Seacrest at the end of the show.
While judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan no longer have a say in who progresses in the singing competition, they are on hand to critique the singers and help guide America in deciding who is worthy of going through.
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Who went home tonight on American Idol 2025 Top 8
Canaan James Hill
Kolbi Jordan
Advancing artists tonight on American Idol 2025 Top 8
Breanna Nix
Gabby Samone
Jamal Roberts
John Foster
Josh King
Mattie Pruitt
Slater Nalley
Thunderstorm Artis
Related: American Idol 2025 Results Tonight: Who Went Home and Who Made the Top 10 Tonight?
Here’s how the night broke down:
JOHN FOSTER
Song: “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt
Carrie said: “I feel like you are the one we have watched grow the most through this process. Every time you step on stage, you’re more comfortable, you’re working the stage more, you’re connecting with the audience. I feel like you’ve grown so much. Lean into that.”
KOLBI JORDAN
Song: “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac
Luke said: “I loved your attitude, your character, your mannerisms — taking the hat and tipping it. It was so well thought out. Your personality is really, really amazing. We got to see a lot of your personality in that performance. Great job.”
JOSH KING
Song: “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Lionel said: “I have never seen anyone going for the arsenal. You went for the piano – Adele plays the piano. Then you went for the harmonica. Adele can’t play the harmonica. And what I loved the most, you ran around the circle. You found the audience.”
BREANNA NIX
Song: “Water Under the Bridge” by Adele
Carrie said: “This was the right song choice for sure. I feel everybody is trying things tonight and showing us a different side of themself. This was a perfect moment for you. You looked and sounded the part of a diva.”
Related: American Idol Stay-at-Home Mom Breanna Nix Talks Her Star-Making Turn: ‘I Feel Like I Belong Now’ (Exclusive)
CANAAN JAMES HILL
Song: “Love Wins” by Carrie Underwood
Luke said: “You got through it, baby. We’ve seen you in that comfort zone of gospel, so it was nice to see you challenge yourself. We could tell you were always second guessing yourself. But always continue to push yourself when you hit the stage. Great job.”
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS
Song: “When We Were Young” by Adele
Lionel said: “I am going to say this because it is absolutely the truth. You made cool cool. We just discovered you play piano. That way of taking us down to a solid viewer’s point of you, where you can shrink it down to your voice. I love what you just did.”
Related: Thunderstorm Artis Reveals How His Run on The Voice Led to His American Idol Success (Exclusive)
SLATER NALLEY
Song: “Whoever’s in New England” by Reba McEntire
Carrie said: “I feel the entire story we saw before left us thinking, ‘Is he going to go for the high note?’ You went for it. I think it paid off. Great song choice.”
Related: American Idol‘s Slater Nalley Reveals When We Could Next See Another Original Song (Exclusive)
JAMAL ROBERTS
Song: “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood
Lionel said: “All I am going to say is throughout your presence here, you are mesmerizing and I love it.”
MATTIE PRUITT
Song: “House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert
Lionel said: “I have so many questions, but I want to tell you that you held your emotions perfectly and we felt every moment of that performance.”
GABBY SAMONE
Song: “I Was Here” by Beyoncé
Carrie said: “I have two words: Wow and vote!”
Then it was time to reveal the results of America’s vote. Ryan announced the Top 8: Breanna, Mattie, Jamal, John, Josh, Gabby, Slater, and Thunderstorm.
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
