Los Angeles — The stage is hot, the lights are blinding, and the stakes are sky-high. On April 27, American Idol’s season 23 whittled down its hopefuls to the Top 12, a gritty mix of raw talent clawing their way toward stardom. These singers, plucked from auditions that kicked off last summer, survived Hollywood Week and a gauntlet of live shows judged by Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. With over a billion votes already cast this season, America’s got its say, and these 12 are the ones still standing.
First up, Canaan James Hill, a small-town crooner with a voice that’s all heart and gravel. He’s got the kind of sound that makes you lean in, like he’s singing just for you. Then there’s Gabby Samone, a powerhouse who belts notes that could shatter glass. Mattie Pruitt’s in the mix too, bringing a soulful edge that’s got the judges buzzing. Thunderstorm Artis—yeah, that’s his real name—channels a vibe that’s equal parts storm and serenity, while Slater Nalley’s got a modern pop polish that screams radio-ready.
Breanna Nix is another standout, her voice weaving country twang with a fierce streak. John Foster’s got that classic Idol charm, the kind that wins over moms and teens alike. Filo, a wildcard with a name that sticks in your head, brings an indie flair that’s hard to pin down. Kolbi Jordan’s got pipes that soar, and Josh King’s gritty delivery feels like it was born in a dive bar. Jamal Roberts rounds out the men, his smooth R&B flow earning nods from the judges. And then there’s Ché, whose bold song choices have Luke Bryan already calling himself a fan, saying he’d buy tickets to his shows.
These 12 stepped into the Idol arena at Red Studios, a Hollywood spot steeped in history—think I Love Lucy and The Golden Girls. On April 28, they performed live, each fighting to lock in a spot in the Top 10. The night was themed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with the contestants covering legends under the watchful eyes of a coast-to-coast audience. Voting opened during the broadcast, and fans had their chance to push their favorites forward.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Auditions spanned months, with thousands vying for golden tickets. Hollywood Week was a pressure cooker, testing vocal chops and stage grit. By April 27, the Top 14 faced the chopping block, and two were sent packing. The Top 12 emerged, bruised but ready, knowing every performance now is do-or-die.
This season’s been a wild ride, with Richie, Underwood, and Bryan dishing out praise and tough love. The contestants, ranging from teens to late 20s, hail from all corners—rural towns, big cities, and everywhere in between. Some are seasoned performers; others barely stepped on a stage before Idol. What unites them is hunger, the kind that fuels late-night rehearsals and gut-wrenching live shows.
As of April 29, the Top 12 are gearing up for the next round, where America’s votes will shrink the field again. The show airs live on ABC, with fans able to vote during the broadcast to shape who makes it to the Top 10. The competition’s only getting fiercer, and these singers know it’s their moment to shine—or crash.