Spoiler Alert: If you don’t want to know who made it through to the “American Idol” season 23 finale, do not keep reading.
On May 12, 2025, with 19 million votes cast during the two-hour live show, “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest revealed which contestants among the top 5 would move on to the finale: John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts. That meant Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis were out of the competition.
All five contestants spoke out about the results on social media, sharing their reactions shortly after the Top 3 was revealed. While Nalley said he was “not bummed” about his elimination, Artis admitted his disappointment — but both shared how grateful they’ve been for the experience.
Thunderstorm Artis Acknowledges He ‘Really Wanted to Make Top 3’ of ‘American Idol’ But Says ‘God’s Got Me’
Artis, 29, posted a video less than an hour after the live show ended and told his fans, “Well, that was a great run. I had so much fun. I’m filled with so much gratitude that I got to stand on a stage in front of millions of people and sing songs that I’m really passionate about.”
“Yeah, really waned to make top three,” Artis acknowledged, “but you know what? It’s totally fine. I feel like we won a lot of things with just making top 5, and not even making top 5. But, I’m excited to put music out. I’m excited for what comes next. I know God has a plan.”
Of the top 3 “American Idol” finalists, Artis said, “I’m very excited for the three that are continuing — John, Brianna, and Jamal — three talented individuals, and I wish nothing but the best for them. I will be rooting for them and hopefully voting for somebody.”
Ending his video with gratitude, Artis said, “I want to thank the whole ‘Idol’ family for having me. And yeah, this was a great one. It was so much fun. I was looking forward to going back home and doing a show … but we’ll get another chance, and I know that. Thank you guys for your support. Means a lot.”
Before beginning to prepare with other finalists for the May 19 finale, Artis said, “I got tomorrow off, so I’m finally getting some much needed rest. But God’s got me. Love you guys.”
‘American Idol’ Finalist Slater Nalley Thanks Fans & Advises Them to ‘Buckle Up’ for What’s Next
Nalley, 17, also posted a video shortly after the live show ended and he was cut from the top 5. He captioned his video, “Thank you @americanidol – thank you #teamslater – this is just the beginning, buckle up.”
The Atlanta high school student started his video by saying, “Hey y’all, I just wanted to come on here and say thank you. Thank you so much for everything. I cannot believe that I’ve made it this far already. ‘American Idol,’ thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
“And to the fans,” Nalley continued, “thank you so much for bringing me some joy — so much joy — and getting me this far. I really just appreciate you all, and I’m so grateful for this.”
“But let me tell you this, I’m not done,” Nalley smiled. “There’s a lot more going on, especially now that everything’s over. I can release my stuff, and you guys are going to really, really, really enjoy some of these new songs. So I’m really excited. I’m not bummed, I’m excited. And I love you guys. Thank you so much for everything.”
‘American Idol’ 2025 Top 3 Finalists Share Their Gratitude & Excitement
Foster, Nix, and Roberts also posted their reactions to making it into the top 3, clearly thrilled to be advancing and heading back to their hometowns.
Roberts posted a photo of himself performing that night and wrote, “Thank you, God!! Thank you, America!! Thank you, MeridianⓂ️! Thank you, American Idol! 😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾 #americanidol #idol #IStillBelieve #Top3 #hope”
Nix also shared a photo from the May 12 show and wrote, “I seriously have no words… I’m just so overwhelmed with gratitude. 😭😭 This has been the most insane, amazing experience of my life. I’ve pushed myself in ways I didn’t even know I could, and to be in the TOP 3 because of YOUR votes?? That blows my mind. Thank you for believing in me. ❤️😭🙏🏼 Denton… I’m coming home!!! Let’s GO!!!”
Meanwhile, Foster captioned a photo of himself performing that night, “Words will never describe how grateful I am to be in the Top 3 of @americanidol. It is the honor of a lifetime. Louisiana, I’m coming home for you! Stay tuned for the hometown concert details! To Him be all the glory! 🙏❤️”
The three singers will perform live for America’s votes on May 18, and learn the results during the star-studded finale.
Comments
‘American Idol’ 2025 Finalists Speak Out After Top 3 Reveal