The American Idol 2025 Top 8 results show was full of suspense, surprises, and emotional moments as fans eagerly awaited the outcome. Host Ryan Seacrest opened the night with energy, and judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were on the edge of their seats. After standout performances from all contestants the night before, America had voted.
Top 8 included favorites like soulful singer Jaxson Lee, powerhouse vocalist Mia Torres, country heartthrob Colby James, and dynamic performer Lila Brooks. Also moving forward were rock singer Jake Rivers, smooth R&B artist Nyla Rae, indie-pop standout Eli Carter, and fan-favorite Emma Steele.
In a shocking twist, early front-runner Sarah Kim was eliminated, bringing tears to the audience and judges alike. Special guest Noah Thompson, winner of American Idol 2022, returned to perform a heartfelt new single. The night ended with cheers and applause as the Top 8 celebrated their journey forward, setting the stage for what’s next in the competition.
The fifth elimination episode of American Idol 2025, aired on May 5, delivered one of the season’s most emotional and talked-about moments. The night featured the annual “Judges’ Song Contest,” where each contestant selected a song from a trio secretly chosen by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. The judge whose songs were picked most frequently earned the power to save a contestant from elimination. This year, Luke and Lionel tied, each having three of their song choices selected .
After America’s votes were tallied, six contestants secured their spots in the Top 7: Breanna Nix, Mattie Pruitt, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Gabby Samone, and Slater Nalley. This left Josh King and Mattie Pruitt in the bottom two. In a heartfelt gesture, Josh King encouraged the judges to save Mattie over him, leading to his own elimination. His selfless act earned widespread admiration from fans, who lauded him as a “class act” on social media .
Josh King, 24, had impressed audiences with his rendition of Michael Bublé’s “Home” that night and had previously moved viewers with an emotional performance of Céline Dion’s “All by Myself,” sharing his personal struggles with loneliness. In a post-show interview, King reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the experience and emphasizing that his goal was to make meaningful connections rather than winning the competition. He highlighted his versatility with instruments and the personal growth he gained through the show