Countdown to the "American Idol" Finale: Meet Your Top 3

We are only a few days away from discovering who will become the next “American Idol.” With the recent elimination revealing the Top 3 on May 12, Season 23 has fewer contestants than ever before. This allowed the enthusiastic audience more chances to cheer for the Top 5 contenders, as judges Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis competed for a spot in the grand finale on May 18.

In Episode 17, during the second Disney Night, contestants largely stayed true to their styles, delivering familiar performances of two songs each, under the guidance of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Thunderstorm captivated with his guitar, while Slater set aside his instrument to channel Randy Newman. Breanna, struggling with nerves on Natalie’s “This Will Be,” redeemed herself with a romantic piece from “Tarzan,” leaving her husband emotional. John donned his modern cowboy persona once again, and Jamal added a delightful R&B twist to a classic “Beauty and the Beast” tune. Iam Tongi also made a return for a special performance promoting the upcoming live-action “Lilo & Stitch.”

Unfortunately, the guitar-toting acts of Slater and Thunderstorm did not secure enough votes to advance to the Top 3. However, their journey isn’t over as they, along with the rest of the Top 14, will be back for one last hurrah during the finale. The event promises to be a spectacle with performances by artists such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Myles Smith, and Kirk Franklin. Tradition holds as judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie also take the stage for a performance.

Who made it to the ‘American Idol’ Top 3? The talented finalists are:

• John Foster
• Jamal Roberts
• Breanna Nix.