Season 23 of American Idol brought together a diverse group of vocalists, with judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and new addition Carrie Underwood narrowing down the field to the American Idol 2025 top 24 contestants during the fierce Hawaii round at Aulani Resort. This roster featured platinum ticket winners, former reality show competitors, and breakout singer-songwriters who battled for viewer votes.
The stakes were higher than ever as the competition shifted from Hollywood auditions to high-pressure duets and solo performances. Below is the complete look at who made the cut, background details on key singers, and how the season unfolded.
Complete American Idol 2025 Top 24 Contestant Roster
The final group of twenty-four artists represented a wide mix of genres, from country and soul to indie rock and pop. The official lineup included:
- Amanda Barise (Manhattan, NY) – Musician known for powerhouse vocal range.
- Baylee Littrell (Atlanta, GA) – Country singer and son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell.
- Breanna Nix (Denton, TX) – Stay-at-home mom turned breakout country-pop finalist.
- Canaan James Hill (Dallas, TX) – Content creator and platinum ticket recipient.
- Ché Chesterman (Essex, England) – Soulful UK-born vocalist.
- Desmond Roberts (Orange County, CA) – Music teacher with deep gospel roots.
- Filo (Dublin, CA) – Platinum ticket winner and emotive ballad singer.
- Gabby Samone (Baltimore, MD) – Child care specialist with classic R&B tones.
- Isaiah Misailegalu (Tacoma, WA) – Young vocalist praised for contemporary delivery.
- Jamal Roberts (Meridian, MS) – Physical education teacher and eventual season winner.
- John Foster (Addis, LA) – College student and runner-up with a distinct acoustic style.
- Josh King (Matthews, NC) – Airport pianist who evolved his stage presence.
- Kolbi Jordan (Tulsa, OK) – Corporate HR professional and platinum ticket holder.
- Mattie Pruitt (Eagleville, TN) – High school student showcasing mature blues capability.
- MKY / Mikey Jimenez (East Los Angeles, CA) – Dedicated Latin and pop crossover artist.
- Olivier Bergeron (Kedgwick, New Brunswick, Canada) – Truck driver and former Star Académie contender.
- Penny Samar (Williamsport, PA) – Indie-leaning pop singer.
- Slater Nalley (Atlanta, GA) – Teen acoustic artist who brought emotional vulnerability to the stage.
- Thunderstorm Artis (Haleiwa, HI) – Touring musician and former The Voice standout.
- Zaylie Windsor (Safford, AZ) – Country-rock vocalist.
Standout Contender Backgrounds and Past Experience
Several contestants entered the season with pre-existing industry experience, adding unique layers to the competition.
Thunderstorm Artis brought seasoned acoustic mastery to the stage, having previously finished high on NBC's The Voice. Meanwhile, Baylee Littrell drew significant media attention as a legacy contestant carrying forward family musical ties.
Platinum ticket holders—including Filo, Kolbi Jordan, and Canaan James Hill—held distinct advantages coming out of initial auditions, skipping lines and securing direct praise from Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. These early standouts maintained momentum through rigorous mentorship sessions led by music industry icons like Ashanti and Josh Groban.
How the Top 24 Round Worked
The transition to the top 24 took place during the Hawaii episodes broadcast on ABC and streamed via Hulu. Contestants were paired in head-to-head duets or performed solo showcases backed by celebrity mentors.
- The Duet Pairings: Singers were matched by the judges to perform complementary tracks, testing their ability to share a stage without overpowering one another.
- The Judgement Cut: Judges evaluated chemistry, vocal control, and star quality on the spot. While some pairings resulted in double advancements, others forced immediate eliminations.
- Viewer Voting Transition: Following the Hawaii showcases, the power shifted to the public, allowing fans to vote for their favorites heading into the live semifinal rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won American Idol Season 23?
Jamal Roberts won the competition, with John Foster finishing as the runner-up and Breanna Nix securing third place.
Where was the Top 24 round filmed?
The round was filmed at the Disney Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
Who were the judges for this season?
The panel consisted of returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, alongside country music superstar Carrie Underwood.
How many Platinum Tickets were awarded?
Three platinum tickets were handed out during auditions, fast-tracking select singers past the first round of Hollywood cuts.
