You’ve probably seen the name popping up in your feed lately. Maybe it was a TikTok clip with a tear-jerking caption or a YouTube thumbnail claiming a "life-changing" audition. But if you’re looking for the official stats on Isaiah Matthews on American Idol, you might be finding a whole lot of nothing.
Honestly, it’s frustrating. You search for a performance that supposedly moved Simon Cowell to tears, only to realize Simon hasn't been a judge on Idol in over a decade.
Here is the reality: there is no contestant named Isaiah Matthews who has competed on American Idol.
Wait. Before you click away, there’s a reason you think there is. The internet is currently a mess of "fan-made" AI stories and mislabeled viral clips that have blended several different singers into one giant, confusing urban legend. If you're looking for the soulful voice that actually exists, or the "Isaiah" who actually made the judges cry this season, we need to clear the air.
The Viral Hoax: 54 Years in Prison?
The biggest reason Isaiah Matthews on American Idol is trending right now is a series of "fictional" videos circulating on social media.
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These videos usually feature an AI-generated image of an older man. The story goes like this: Isaiah Matthews spent 54 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and at age 78, he finally got his chance to audition. It’s a heart-wrenching narrative. It’s also completely fake.
These clips often use footage of Simon Cowell crying (usually from a real America's Got Talent moment involving a different contestant) and splice it with a soul song. Because the "story" is so emotional, people share it without checking the facts. Suddenly, "Isaiah Matthews" is a household name for a show he was never actually on.
Who You’re Actually Looking For: Isaiah Moore
If you saw a guy named Isaiah on your TV recently who made the judges cry, you’re likely thinking of Isaiah Moore.
The names are close enough that Google gets confused, and honestly, so do we. Isaiah Moore is the 22-year-old worship pastor from Oneonta, Alabama, who appeared in Season 23 (2025).
His story was legit. He and his wife, Abby Grace, literally canceled their honeymoon so he could audition. Think about that for a second. Most people are sipping tropical drinks on a beach, and he’s standing in a cold holding room in Nashville waiting for Ryan Seacrest to give him a mocktail.
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Moore’s audition was one of those "quiet the room" moments. He sang "Where the Wild Things Are" by Luke Combs. It wasn't just the singing; it was the history. He talked about being put into the court system at three months old and nearly entering foster care. Watching Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie all get misty-eyed was the real deal.
The Matthews Connection: Jacy and Mia
Another reason the name "Matthews" keeps sticking in the American Idol algorithm is because of the Matthews sisters.
Jacy and Mia Matthews were the standout country duo (who auditioned separately) in Season 22. They came from a band called Worth The Wait and had already been on The Voice. Because they were such a huge part of the "Idol family" recently, the surname Matthews is burned into the search bar.
When you combine a real last name (Matthews) with a popular first name (Isaiah), you get a "ghost contestant" that everyone thinks they remember but no one can actually find a video of.
Why the "Mandela Effect" is Hitting Idol Fans
It's kind of wild how the brain works. You see a clip of Isaiah Moore's emotional backstory. Then you see a fake AI video about an "Isaiah Matthews." A week later, you're telling your friends about Isaiah Matthews on American Idol and how sad his life was.
- The Voice: Often mistaken for Idol.
- The Name: Isaiah is a common, strong name for male vocalists.
- The Platform: TikTok and YouTube "Talent" channels often use fake names in titles to avoid copyright strikes or to bait clicks.
Real Talents Named Isaiah to Follow
If you’re genuinely a fan of the "Isaiah" vocal style—that soulful, grit-meets-gospel vibe—there are real people you should be streaming instead of chasing a viral ghost.
Isaiah Moore is the one to watch right now. His journey from Alabama to the Hollywood round is the quintessential Idol story. He brings a level of vulnerability that usually wins over the "voter block" in the South.
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Then there’s Isaiah Misailegalu, another Season 23 name that’s been floating around the top tiers. He’s a multi-sport athlete who brings a different kind of energy to the stage.
What to Do Next
If you see a video titled "Isaiah Matthews American Idol Audition," check the channel name. If it’s something like "Talent Global" or "Heartwarming Moments," it’s likely a compilation of different singers or an AI-generated story.
Instead of searching for a person who doesn't exist, go back and watch Isaiah Moore’s performance of "Where the Wild Things Are." It’s the raw, authentic version of the story the internet is trying to tell.
Check out the official American Idol YouTube channel for the Season 23 highlights. This ensures the views—and the support—actually go to the hard-working artists who are actually on the show, not just an algorithm-generated name.