Lights, camera, singing! The “American Idol” stage is set for its grand finale, 2025 edition. After weeks of electrifying performances and nail-biting eliminations, three talented artists remain, each with a distinct voice and a burning desire to claim the coveted crown. The Deseret News has been right there with them every step of the way, witnessing their growth, their triumphs, and their heart-wrenching vulnerabilities. Now, as the curtain prepares to fall, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these final three contenders, peering behind the curtain to predict who will capture America’s heart and become the next “American Idol.”
The Disney-fied Top 5
As the competition on “American Idol” heats up, the top 5 contestants have been whittled down to a select few. But what made this week’s performances so unforgettable? Let’s take a closer look at the Disney-themed performances that left us all in awe.
A Magical Mentorship: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Impact on the Contestants
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” and writer of music for a variety of Disney films, including “Moana,” “Encanto,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King,” joined the “American Idol” family as a mentor for the Disney-themed performances. His guidance and expertise helped the contestants reinterpret classic Disney songs in a way that was both authentic and innovative.
Thunderstorm Artis, one of the top 5 contestants, shared his experience working with Miranda. “Getting to work with Lin as a mentor was something so special for this round,” he said. “I think when you’re covering iconic Disney songs, you want to make sure that you don’t veer too far from the source material, but whatever things that you do add to it, you want to make sure that you really pay respects to not just the people that wrote it, but to the people that are huge fans of the songs. And so he’s really helping me find the ways to keep it organic as me, but also really keep it connected to the source material.”
Fan-Favorite Performances: A Look at the Top 5’s Disney-Themed Performances
The top 5 contestants delivered performances that left the audience in awe. From Breanna Nix’s powerful rendition of “Reflection” from “Mulan” to John Foster’s charming take on “The Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book,” each performance was a testament to the contestants’ talent and dedication.
- Breanna Nix – “Reflection” from “Mulan” and “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina
- John Foster – “The Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book” and “Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppets”
- Thunderstorm Artis – “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” and “Out of the Blue” by Thunderstorm Artis
- Slater Nalley – “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” from “Toy Story” and “Born to Be Wild” from “D3: The Mighty Ducks”
- Jamal Roberts – “Go the Distance” from “Hercules” and “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
The Power of Voting: Analyzing the Voting Patterns of the Audience
The voting patterns during the Disney week episodes were a testament to the audience’s dedication and enthusiasm for the contestants. While fan favorites remained strong, there were also some surprises that kept the competition interesting.
According to the voting data, the top 5 contestants were decided by a margin of just a few percentage points. This close competition made every performance count, and the contestants delivered.
Narrowing the Field: The Rise of the Final Three
After Monday night’s live episode, the top 5 contestants were whittled down to the final three. But what made this week’s performances so unforgettable? Let’s take a closer look at the Disney-themed performances that left us all in awe.
The Disney Theme Continues: Monday Night’s Performances
Monday night’s episode continued the Disney theme that started Sunday night. Each of the top 5 contestants performed twice from Disneyland Resort in an effort to claim a spot in the season finale.
Performances from the top 5 contestants included:
- Slater Nalley – “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” from “Toy Story” and “Born to Be Wild” from “D3: The Mighty Ducks”
- John Foster – “The Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book” and “Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppets”
- Thunderstorm Artis – “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from “Cinderella” and “Find Yourself” from “Cars”
- Breanna Nix – “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” from “The Parent Trap” and “You’ll Be in My Heart” from “Tarzan”
- Jamal Roberts – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” from “Remember the Titans” and “Beauty and the Beast” from “Beauty and the Beast”
- John Foster
- Breanna Nix
- Jamal Roberts
The Final Three: Who Made the Cut?
After Monday night’s episode, the following three contestants were still in the competition:
The other two contestants, Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis, were eliminated from the competition.
The Season Finale: What to Expect
The “American Idol” Season 23 finale airs Sunday, May 18, at 6 p.m. MDT. The live, three-hour episode will feature performances from the season’s top three contestants and from a wide variety of guest artists, including Josh Groban, Salt-N-Pepa, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, Goo Goo Dolls, and Good Charlotte.
The Emotional Eliminations:
As the competition reaches its climax, the emotional toll of elimination can be overwhelming for the contestants and the audience alike. In the latest episode, two talented singers, Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt, bid farewell to their American Idol dreams. The departure of these two contestants was a significant blow to the dynamics of the group, and their absence was deeply felt by the remaining contestants.
The elimination of Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt served as a harsh reminder to the remaining contestants that their time on the show is limited, and every performance counts. This realization added an extra layer of pressure to their already demanding schedule, and the tension was palpable during the next episode.
A Battle of Styles:
As the competition narrows down to the final three contestants, the differences in their vocal styles and musical preferences become increasingly apparent. John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts, each bring a unique set of skills and strengths to the table, making it difficult to predict who will emerge victorious.
John Foster’s soulful voice and ability to connect with the emotional depth of a song have made him a fan favorite. Breanna Nix’s powerful vocals and versatility in performing different genres have impressed both the judges and her peers. Jamal Roberts’s smooth, velvety voice and effortless stage presence have earned him a spot in the top three, and his ability to adapt to different themes has been a significant advantage.
The distinct styles of the final three contestants will undoubtedly make the finale a thrilling and unpredictable event, as each of them brings a unique flavor to the competition.
Building Momentum:
Looking back at the performances leading up to the finale, it’s clear that each of the top three contestants had their moments of glory. Thunderstorm Artis’s impressive performances during the Disney-themed episodes earned him a spot in the top five, while Breanna Nix’s consistent delivery of powerful vocals kept her in the running.
John Foster’s surge in popularity during the Mother’s Day episode, in particular, was a turning point in the competition. His heartfelt performances of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog and “Believe” by Brooks and Dunn resonated deeply with the viewers, securing him a spot in the top three.
The Grand Finale: A Night of Celebration and Competition
The Power of Guest Stars:
The grand finale of American Idol Season 23 promises to be an unforgettable night of celebration and competition. The episode will feature a star-studded lineup of guest performers, including Josh Groban, Salt-N-Pepa, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, Goo Goo Dolls, and Good Charlotte.
The presence of these renowned artists will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the event, and their performances will provide a fitting backdrop for the announcement of the Season 23 winner.
The Final Moments:
The tension leading up to the announcement of the winner will be palpable, and the judges’ final decision will be influenced by a multitude of factors. The contestants’ performances throughout the season, their growth and development, and their capacity to connect with the audience will all be taken into account.
The judges’ deliberation will be a challenging task, as each of the top three contestants has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and perseverance. The anticipation and suspense surrounding the announcement of the winner will make the grand finale an unforgettable event.
The Legacy of a Season:
As American Idol Season 23 comes to a close, it’s essential to reflect on the overall impact of the season. From the memorable performances to the impactful moments, the contestants have been on a remarkable journey, and their experiences will stay with them for a lifetime.
The season has been marked by its unique themes, including the Disney-themed episodes, which allowed the contestants to showcase their creativity and versatility. The presence of guest mentors, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, has added an extra layer of depth to the competition, and their guidance has been invaluable to the contestants.
The legacy of American Idol Season 23 will be remembered for its talented contestants, its captivating themes, and its ability to inspire and captivate audiences. As the curtain closes on this season, Unionjournalism looks forward to the next season and the new batch of talented contestants who will take the stage.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the talents and captivating stories of the final three contestants on American Idol 2025, one thing remains clear: the competition has been fierce, showcasing a remarkable diversity of vocal styles and musicality. From the powerhouse vocals of [Contestant 1] to the soulful interpretations of [Contestant 2] and the innovative approach of [Contestant 3], each artist has brought something unique to the stage. This season’s finalists represent a fresh wave of talent, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a successful singer in the contemporary music scene. The winner of American Idol 2025 will undoubtedly face challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving music industry. Beyond the coveted title, they will be stepping into a spotlight that demands constant growth, adaptability, and resilience. The path ahead is filled with potential, requiring a commitment to honing their craft and connecting with audiences on a deeper level. Ultimately, the success of this season’s winner will depend not only on vocal prowess but also on their ability to navigate the complexities of the music industry and forge their own unique path to stardom. The future of American Idol, and indeed, the future of popular music, rests in the hands of these three talented individuals.