Who Got Eliminated on ‘American Idol’ & What Happens Next for 2025’s Top 10

Throughout the two-hour live episode that aired on April 28, 2025, the “American Idol” judges and host Ryan Seacrest said they could not imagine how America was going to send any of the 12 contestants home given all of their powerful performances.

The theme of the night was “Iconic Idol Moments,” allowing each contestant to choose a song featured in other “American Idol” finalists’ standout performances — either in past seasons or made popular by them since their “Idol” journey. For instance, Breanna Nix sang Kelly Clarkson’s hit song “Because of You” while Jamal Roberts reimagined Tom ODell’s “Heal,” a song that 2022 finalist Leah Marlene beautifully performed during her season.

But in the final moments of the show, Seacrest had to reveal which talented singers would be moving through to the top 10 of season 23. Spoiler Alert: If you don’t want to know who made it through — and who didn’t — do not read any further.

2 Contestants Eliminated Before ‘American Idol’ Top 10, Including Platinum Ticket Winner

Disney

At the end of the night, the two contestants who did not get enough votes to advance to the top 10 were 28-year-old British singer Ché Chesterman and 23-year-old Filo, who was one of just three singers who received a Platinum Ticket during the audition process, signifying he was one of their early favorites.

Both men shed tears after their performances. Chesterman chose a song that third-place singer Colin Stough performed in season 21 — Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” After receiving high praise from the judges, he got choked up telling Seacrest about how his fiancée and kids had to fly back home to England that day.

Filo, meanwhile, seemed a likely shoe-in after the crowd continually chanted his name following his powerful performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” in honor of Jennifer Hudson‘s “iconic Idol moment” singing that song during season 3. Fantasia encouraged Filo to not emulate Hudson’s version but to create his own.

Almost surprised by his own power, Filo was in tears by the end of his song, which brought all three judges to their feet. Underwood told him he did, indeed, create his own iconic moment, while Bryan said that he loved how Fantasia guided him to craft his best delivery yet. Richie said “the way you controlled (it) from beginning to end” was masterful, noting it was also the best performance he’d ever seen from Filo.

In the end though, Chesterman and Filo were sent home, as the remaining contestants comprised the top 10: John Foster, Josh King, Jamal Roberts, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Gabby Samone, Canaan James Hill, Kolbi Jordan, and Breanna Nix.

What Happens Next on ‘American Idol’?

Next up, the top 10 will be mentored by country icon Miranda Lambert for the show’s first ever “Iconic Women of Music” night on May 4. As soon as Seacrest announced Lambert’s mentorship and performance, fans on social media began asking if she and judge Carrie Underwood might perform their 2014 hit “Somethin’ Bad.”

One wrote on Instagram, “OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!! If Carrie and Miranda sing Somethin Bad, I will CRY!!!!!!!! So excited to see them together again!!!!!❤️”

Once again, viewers will have less than two hours to vote for their favorites during the May 4 show before Seacrest announces the next two contestants going home, and which ones made the top 8.

The next night, May 5, brings the return of the “Judge’s Song Contest,” with the top 8 performing songs selected for them by Bryan, Underwood and Lionel Richie. Jelly Roll will return for moral support as the show’s artist-in-residence, and viewers will have to cast their votes again while the show is airing live. Seacrest will announce the top 6, based on votes, but the judges will then get to save one singer to create a top 7. Both episodes will air live coast-to-coast, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.