It was late April 2025 when the lights dimmed in the Hollywood studio and Ryan Seacrest did that thing he does—the long, dramatic pause that makes everyone’s stomach do backflips. We were finally looking at the top 14 American Idol contestants for Season 23. This wasn't just any group of hopefuls. This was the first year Carrie Underwood sat behind the desk as a judge, and honestly, the stakes felt different. You could see it in their faces.
Ten of them cruised in on the back of America’s vote. But for the others? It was a bloodbath.
People were genuinely upset that night. When you look back at how the top 14 American Idol roster was finalized, you realize it was one of the most controversial "save" nights in recent memory. The judges—Luke, Lionel, and Carrie—had to hand-pick four singers to round out the group. They chose Ché, Desmond Roberts, Josh King, and Amanda Barise.
Social media went into a total meltdown. Why? Because fan favorites like Baylee Littrell and Olivier Bergeron were sent packing. It felt like the judges were looking for something the audience wasn't quite seeing yet.
The Class of Season 23: More Than Just a List
You’ve gotta realize that by the time we hit the top 14 American Idol stage, these singers are basically living in a pressure cooker. This specific season was packed with "pro" talent—folks who had already tasted reality TV elsewhere.
Take Thunderstorm Artis and Victor Solomon. Both had already made deep runs on The Voice. It’s kinda wild to think about the grit it takes to go through that whole machine twice. Thunderstorm actually almost quit before the Top 24 because of the contract details. He was terrified of giving away his publishing rights. He eventually came back, obviously, and his performance of Billie Eilish’s "I Love You" during the reveal night was one of those "hush the room" moments.
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Then you had the powerhouse trio that dominated the early conversations:
- John Foster: The radio-ready country kid.
- Jamal Roberts: The eventual winner who just had this spiritual connection to every note.
- Breanna Nix: A consistent vocal beast who never seemed to miss.
It’s interesting how the dynamic shifts once the field narrows. Mattie Pruitt was only 16, the youngest in the bunch. The judges wouldn't stop talking about it. Every time she stepped up to the piano, it was a reminder that while she had the rich contralto of a veteran, she was still just a kid navigating a massive stage.
Why the Top 14 American Idol Reveal Was So Stressful
Honestly, the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" night for the top 14 American Idol felt like a make-or-break turning point. Filo, one of the Platinum Ticket holders, took a huge risk with "With a Little Help from My Friends." It worked, but you could tell the judges were starting to worry he was over-singing.
That’s the thing about this stage of the competition. If you don't find your "lane" immediately, you're toast.
Desmond Roberts is a perfect example. The guy is a musical genius—his arrangements were always interesting. But on reveal night, he was in the bottom. He sang "Titanium" to save his life. Lionel Richie basically told him, "Look, you're slaying it, but you're scared to death. Simplify." It was a wake-up call that a lot of these artists needed.
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Breaking Down the Performance Styles
The variety in this group was actually pretty impressive if you look at it objectively. You had:
- The Divas: Kolbi Jordan and Amanda Barise. Both could belt until the windows rattled.
- The Storytellers: Slater Nalley. He was the Americana guy. He sang Jason Isbell and didn't care if it was "too niche" for mainstream TV.
- The Gospel/Soul Power: Canaan James Hill and Jamal Roberts.
Jamal’s "Try a Little Tenderness" garnered over a million views almost instantly. That was the moment most of us knew he was going to be the one to beat. He had this way of making the audience feel like they were in a revival tent rather than a TV studio.
What Most Fans Missed During the Broadcast
While we were all watching the performances, the real drama was happening in the wings. By January 2026, many of these artists have started opening up about what that period was like. The "Top 14" is usually when the "Artist in Residence" really starts digging in. For Season 23, that was Jelly Roll.
He wasn't just there for the cameras. Several contestants have mentioned how he’d pull them aside to talk about the mental toll of the industry. It’s easy to forget these are mostly normal people who were working day jobs a few months prior. Now they’re being styled by professionals and told what to say in "home packages."
The transition from the Top 20 to the top 14 American Idol is specifically designed to weed out those who can't handle the "live" element. In the earlier rounds, you have the luxury of editing. In the Top 14? You're on a tightrope. One flat note or one "cornball" stage move (looking at you, Josh King) and the votes dry up.
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The Aftermath: Where Are They Now?
It’s been a minute since that finale in May 2025. Jamal Roberts, the Season 23 champ, is currently doing big things. He’s set to sing the National Anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami. His debut single "Heal" went straight to the top of the Gospel charts.
John Foster, the runner-up, is carving out a solid spot in Nashville. Even those who didn't win, like Thunderstorm Artis, are touring. Thunderstorm is actually heading to Australia for a 12-show run in March 2026.
It proves that the top 14 American Idol isn't just a stopping point—it’s a launchpad. Even if you get eliminated in the first few live shows, you’ve had millions of eyes on you.
Actionable Insights for Future Hopefuls
If you’re sitting at home thinking about auditioning for Season 24 or beyond, there are a few hard truths you should take away from the Season 23 Top 14:
- Song choice is everything. Desmond Roberts almost went home because he was trying to be too clever. John Foster stayed safe because he knew exactly what his voice was made for.
- The "Save" is a double-edged sword. If the judges have to save you to get you into the Top 14, you have to work twice as hard to win over the audience. The "controversial save" label is hard to shake.
- Authenticity beats perfection. Slater Nalley wasn't the "best" technical singer, but he was the most himself. That gets you further than a perfect vocal that feels hollow.
- Digital presence matters. Start building your following before you even get to Hollywood. The contestants with the highest YouTube and TikTok views during the Top 14 reveal were almost always the ones who moved on.
The journey from a small-town audition to the top 14 American Idol stage is a massive climb. It requires more than just a good voice; it requires a thick skin and a clear vision of who you are as an artist. Whether you're a fan or a future contestant, studying these specific performances shows exactly what it takes to survive the most famous stage in music.
How to Stay Updated on Your Favorite Idol Stars
- Follow their socials: Most Season 23 finalists are active on Instagram and TikTok, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the show.
- Check tour schedules: Many Top 14 alumni tour together or open for established acts (like Jamal Roberts opening for Brandy and Monica).
- Watch for Season 24: The new season premieres January 26, 2026, on ABC. Tune in to see if the next crop of talent can live up to the bar set by the class of 2025.