“I felt like I went out there and I gave it the best that I could,” Artis says. “It was such a beautiful night to be able to do a second round of Disney songs. It was so special. Getting a standing ovation for both of them was just a blessing.”

Only three contestants will advance to next Sunday’s season 23 finale of American Idol, and Slater Nalley is determined to be among them. For the show’s second Disney-themed night, Nalley performed ” You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” from the 1995 film Toy Story.

After all that, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that America’s LIVE voting put: Breanna Nix, John Foster and Jamal Roberts through to the final three. That means poor Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis were eliminated. That is a wrap for this latest, “ American Idol ” TV show, recap report, but definitely stay tuned for more.

The evening began with five hopefuls, each delivering two performances that would determine their fate. The remaining contestants—Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Thunderstorm Artis—received mentorship from Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, who guided them through their Disney-themed song selections.

Slater Nalley was the first singer announced in the Top 5 on Season 23 of American Idol. The look of relief on his face was apparent, especially after he dealt with a lyric flub earlier in the night.

Here's who made the top 3 on "American Idol" 2025: John Foster, an 18-year-old college student from Addis, Louisiana. Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas. Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi.

The performance drew praise from judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, but it was judge Luke Bryan who shared a vulnerable moment with Nalley about his brief flub. “I want you to just understand, that stuff happens,” Bryan said. “I’ve done it on award shows and high-pressure moments. But way to recover and great job on the finish.”

American Idol's shocking May 11 results left viewers and judges alike with their jaws on the floor when powerhouse vocalist Gabby Samone was eliminated just shy of the top 5. Fellow contestant Slater Nalley quickly took to social media with words of encouragement for the Baltimore native: "I love you more than words can describe.

Breanna Nix stepped into the top three on American Idol Monday calling it the "most insane, amazing experience" of her life.

Ryan Seacrest recalled a past moment he confused his two most high-profile hosting gigs, American Idol and Wheel of Fortune.