Did Canaan James Hill Make the Top 8 of ‘American Idol’ 2025?

Canaan James Hill, an aspiring preacher and gospel singer who made it into the top 10 of “American Idol” season 23, vied for viewers’ votes again on May 4, 2025, singing Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins.” Contestants performed songs made famous by “iconic women in music,” the theme of the episode that aired live from coast-to-coast. Viewers had less than two hours to vote for their favorites during the show, determining who would make it through to the top 8 of season 23.

SPOILER ALERT: Do not continue reading if you do NOT want to know whether Hill made it into the top 8.

After voting closed during the final commercial break, host Ryan Seacrest was ready to reveal which members of season 23’s top 10 would advance to the top 8. So did Hill make it through?

Unfortunately for Hill’s fans, he did not make it through tonight.

And here’s a breakdown of tonight’s full results.

Canaan James Hill Has Been One of the Judges’ Favorites Since His Audition

Dallas-based Hill, who’s only 17, has been one of the judges’ favorites since his audition earned him one of the three Platinum Tickets, awarded to those who delivered the best-of-the-best auditions.

Hill told Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie that he graduated high school early, “so that I can go forward with my gift and do what God has called and chosen me to do.” He performed gospel singer Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory,” and left the judges nearly speechless.

Hill has continued to deliver powerful gospel performances throughout his journey on the show, including a soulful rendition of Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It” during Hollywood Week that Richie called “the greatest performance I have ever seen.”

The song choice that got him into the top 10 was the same tune that season 22 contestant Roman Collins had with gospel legend CeCe Winans in 2024, going viral with their duet of “Goodness of God.” Following Fantasia’s advice to sit on a chair for part of his performance, Hill made it his own.

Underwood told him, “I only have one thing to say: thank you for that” — and Luke Bryan said he feels like he’s being “baptized” every time Hill sings.