Emotional Night for 'American Idol' Top 12 as Journeys Unfold
Hardly any of the Top 12 ‘American Idol’ contestants managed to finish their performances without shedding a tear, and Jelly Roll felt the emotional pull as well.
April 28’s Episode 13 celebrated iconic “Idol” moments from the past, with aspiring stars choosing songs that mirrored their personal journeys. Under the guidance of Season 3 winner Fantasia, the talented dozen reached within to express their struggles and emotions through songs previously performed by “Idol” favorites.
By the episode’s conclusion, the viewer votes led to the surprising elimination of the season’s first platinum ticket winner. Here are Episode 13’s memorable moments and the contestants who advanced to the Top 10.
Recap: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Week
Kolbi Jordan pays tribute to ‘American Idol’ runner-up Katharine McPhee
Tulsa’s own Kolbi Jordan moved audiences with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland, a song she described as her motivation to keep moving forward, expressed during her pre-taped interview.
Inspired by Katharine McPhee’s rendition from Season 5, Kolbi used the song to beautifully showcase her vocal prowess. By making an almost 90-year-old classic feel intimate and personal, she achieved a goal judges frequently discuss but seldom see delivered.
As she sang, a tear slid down Kolbi’s cheek, and her powerful finale left Jelly Roll in disbelief, cradling his face in his hands. Lionel Richie was stunned, exclaiming, “What the hell was that? That was divine.” Luke Bryan added to the accolades, “That was somewhere over a supernova way out in the galaxy.”
Jamal Roberts moves Fantasia with a heartfelt Tom Odell cover
Jamal Roberts transitioned from a nervous introduction to Fantasia to bringing her to tears during rehearsals. The Grammy-winning artist remarked, “I don’t know your story but I can sense one just from your singing.”
Sitting simply on a stool at the microphone, without flashy elements, Jamal captivated with Tom Odell’s “Heal.” As he sang “heal, heal, heal,” the raw passion and emotion poured through every note.
Following his final chords, a silence enveloped the room before the applause filled the air. Carrie Underwood looked around, absorbed in awe, while Richie repeated a praise from earlier in the evening: “divinely guided.”
Who left ‘American Idol’?
Che couldn’t secure enough votes for the Top 10 following his emotive version of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.”
Filo, despite moving the audience to tears earlier, couldn’t convert the support into a Top 10 finish, marking him as the first platinum ticket recipient of Season 23 to be eliminated.
‘American Idol’ Top 10
- John Foster
- Josh King
- Jamal Roberts
- Mattie Pruitt
- Thunderstorm Artis
- Slater Nalley
- Gabby Samone
- Canaan James Hill
- Kolbi Jordan
- Breanna Nix
Platinum Ticket Recipients of 2025
In this season’s auditions, Kolbi Jordan, Filo, and Canaan James Hill received platinum tickets, granting them a pass past the initial Hollywood Week performances.