American Idol delivered another week of jaw-dropping eliminations and high-stakes drama as Season 23 narrowed down to its Top 6 contestants. After a turbulent fan vote and a judges' showdown, two fan favorites were sent home, leaving viewers reeling.
Shock Eliminations: Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan Axed
During Sunday's (May 5) brutal Top 8 vote, soulful performer Canaan James Hill and powerhouse vocalist Kolbi Jordan were unexpectedly eliminated, marking one of the season's biggest upsets. The results left fans questioning the voting process, as both singers had garnered strong support in prior weeks.
The cuts didn't stop there. Following a tense "Judges' Song Contest" challenge, Mattie Pruitt—the beloved airport pianist who charmed audiences with her emotional performances—was sent home after landing in the bottom two alongside country crooner Josh King. Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, tasked with saving one artist, chose to retain King, leaving Pruitt in tears as she exited the competition.
Judges' Clash Adds Fuel to the Fire
The episode's drama peaked during the "Judges' Song Contest," where contestants performed tracks anonymously selected by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. Bryan and Richie claimed victory after their song choices earned the most applause, but the win came with a catch: they had to decide which bottom-two contestant to save.
Carrie Underwood, whose picks lost the challenge, initially quipped, "I don't lose on American Idol. I win!"—but later admitted she was relieved to avoid the gut-wrenching decision. Meanwhile, Richie and Bryan deliberated briefly before opting to save King, calling it "the toughest choice of the season."
Who Made the Top 6?
With Pruitt's elimination, American Idol's Top 6 now includes:
- Abi Carter (Fan-favorite indie artist)
- Jack Blocker (Rock-inspired performer)
- Will Moseley (Country star-in-the-making)
- Triston Harper (Soulful crooner)
- Kaibrienne (Powerhouse vocalist)
- Emmy Russell (Loretta Lynn's granddaughter, blending folk and country)
What's Next?
The remaining singers will face off in next week's themed performance round, rumored to include tributes to Billboard chart-toppers and legendary guest mentors. Fans are already speculating whether frontrunner Abi Carter can maintain her momentum—or if an underdog like Will Moseley will surge ahead.
American Idol airs Sundays at 8/7c on ABC. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition races toward its grand finale!