Gabby Samone Addresses ‘American Idol’ Elimination That Left Fans & Judges Stunned

When Ryan Seacrest revealed which contestants had made it into the top 5 of “American Idol” season 23 fans weren’t the only ones stunned by the results. At the end of the two-hour live show on May 11, 2025, Seacrest said that with 20 million votes cast, the two contestants going home were Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone. When cameras panned to judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, all three looked shell-shocked.

Although 16-year-old Pruitt was already vulnerable, saved by the judges the previous week when viewers voted her out, Samone has consistently blown the panel away with her soulful performances. After she was cut, fans immediately flooded social media, with some so upset to see Samone go that they insisted they’ll stop watching the final episodes of season 23.

But Samone held her head high, posting online within 20 minutes of her elimination that after an “amazing experience” on the show, she’s trusting “this is only the beginning” of her music career.

Gabby Samone Made the Top 7 Just Like Jennifer Hudson, Who Was Among Her Biggest Cheerleaders

In her post-show Instagram share, Samone wrote, “Thank you all so much for the love and support!!! I am soo grateful to have made it this far! I love you all! Please continue to support my friends On their journey! This was an amazing experience!! THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!! #TEAMGABBY”

During her journey on “American Idol,” the Baltimore native repeatedly said how wild it was to keep advancing in the competition when she had arrived feeling unsure of herself and her gift, despite having videos of her singing go viral online. Even alum Jennifer Hudson took notice and invited Samone on her show in 2022, later encouraging her to audition for “American Idol.”

Ironically, Hudson also placed in the top 7 back in 2004, but went on to become a rare EGOT winner — earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony since competing on “American Idol.” Many fans pointed that out to Samone after the show, including one who wrote, “You are our American Idol… Your gift is unmatched. That EGOT will be yours for sure.”

Some of Samone’s fellow contestants also weighed in, including top 5 contender Slater Nalley, who wrote, “I love you more than words can describe. You are a legend, Gabby Samone. Keep crushing it and this is NOT THE END for you WHATSOEVER. Gods more than got you”

Platinum ticket winner Filo, who made it to the top 12, commented, “GABBY!!! You are so special!!! In awe of your voice, your personality, and your humanity. Just wait, God has something so special waiting around the corner for you. Love you so much❤️”

Top 14 contestant Desmond Roberts also weighed in, writing, “Love you SO much Gabby❤️ You’re a phenomenal vocalist and I’m so happy to have gotten to know you on this journey💕💕💕”

Some Fans Say They’re Banning ‘American Idol’ After Gabby Samone’s Elimination

Samone, like her fellow contestants, sang two songs during the live May 11 episode. First, she worked with Broadway star and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda on mastering a song he wrote, “How Far I’ll Go” from the movie “Moana.” Miranda noted that it was a very difficult song to sing with tricky lyrics, but the judges loved her delivery, with Underwood telling her, “Your voice was made for songs like that.”

For the portion of the show dedicated to Mother’s Day, Samone got teary-eyed talking about how her mom Charoletta raised eight kids and still had room in her heart to help anyone else who needed it. Samone performed “Home” from “The Wiz” in honor of her mom, a song that Bryan said “may be my favorite performance you’ve done of the year,” blown away by her confidence. Richie said, “You were singing that song like you were closing the show.” Underwood told her, “Your talent is just ridiculous and week to week, you just deliver with ease.”

It was clear the judges thought she was safe, and viewers did too — with many so shocked by her elimination that they declared a boycott after the show.

One wrote on an “American Idol” Instagram post, “Gabbys gone …so am I ….won’t be watching anymore” while another declared, “Done with idol 🙄🙄🙄”

The top 5 will perform again on another two-hour live show on May 12, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time, to determine the top 3 who will get to go visit their hometowns.