The Shocking Top 5 Reveal: Who Went Home On American Idol Last Night?

The question of "who went home on American Idol last night" always brings a dramatic conclusion to a week of performances, and the final non-finale elimination of Season 23 was no exception. As of today, December 12, 2025, the most recent major elimination event saw two fan-favorite contestants’ journeys come to an emotional end, just shy of the Grand Finale. This pivotal night, themed around Disney’s Heroes and Villains, determined the ultimate Top 3 finalists, sending shockwaves through the competition and leaving viewers stunned by the unexpected results.

The May 12, 2025, live results show narrowed the field from five down to the final three, a brutal cut that saw the elimination of two of the season’s most unique voices. The contestants who were sent home, concluding their run on American Idol Season 23, were the soulful singer-songwriter Thunderstorm Artis and the talented young musician Slater Nalley. Their departure solidified the Top 3: Breanna Nix, John Foster, and eventual winner Jamal Roberts.

The Eliminated Contestants: Full Biography and Idol Journey

The departure of both Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley was a major talking point, as both artists had established themselves as frontrunners with distinct styles. Their eliminations highlight the intense competition and the unpredictable nature of America's vote in the final rounds of the show. Here is a look at the lives and Idol highlights of the two artists who went home on the last results show before the finale.

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Thunderstorm Artis: The Soulful Singer-Songwriter

• Full Name: Thunderstorm Kahekhili Artis
• Date of Birth: December 21, 1995
• Hometown/Origin: North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
• Occupation: Professional Singer and Songwriter
• Audition City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Musical Style: Folk, Soul, R&B, Acoustic Pop
• Notable Idol Performance: His haunting rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” during the Top 5 Disney Night, which was praised for its emotional depth and unique arrangement.
• Previous Reality TV Experience: Artis was a contestant on a previous season of The Voice, making him a familiar face to many viewers and adding an extra layer of expectation to his Idol run.

Thunderstorm Artis’s journey on American Idol Season 23 was marked by his incredible vocal control, raw emotion, and ability to completely reimagine popular songs. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry consistently lauded his artistry, often commenting that he was already a "ready-made" professional artist. His elimination at the Top 5 was particularly surprising to many, as his performances had garnered widespread critical acclaim throughout the season.

Slater Nalley: The Young Original Talent

• Full Name: Slater Nalley
• Age at Time of Competition: 18 years old
• Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
• Occupation: Student and Musician (Attended The Lovett School)
• Audition City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Musical Style: Indie Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Contemporary Folk
• Notable Idol Performance: His original audition song, "Traces of You," immediately set him apart as a songwriter. During the Top 5 Disney Night, he performed “Go the Distance” from Hercules, a performance that showcased his youthful yet powerful vocal delivery.
• Mentorship: Slater had previously received mentorship from top artists during C Lazy U's Songwriter Week, highlighting his dedication to the craft before his national television debut.

Slater Nalley was the season's breakout teen sensation, captivating audiences with his blend of maturity and youthful energy. His strength lay in his ability to connect with a song's narrative, often choosing lesser-known tracks or performing his own compelling original material. Judge Lionel Richie frequently praised Nalley’s innate musicality, noting his potential to be a major force in the music industry. His elimination was a tough blow for fans who appreciated his unique, introspective style.

The Dramatic Disney Night Top 5 Elimination

The episode that determined the final three was a high-stakes event known as Disney Night #2: Heroes & Villains, which aired on May 12, 2025. The Top 5 contestants—Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Thunderstorm Artis, and Slater Nalley—each performed two songs, one inspired by a Disney Hero and one by a Disney Villain. The pressure was immense, as the results were based entirely on America’s vote from the previous week.

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The night was made even more significant by the presence of guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative genius behind Moana and Encanto. Miranda offered invaluable coaching, helping the contestants find the emotional core of their Disney selections. This intense mentorship and the double performance format made the elimination even more heartbreaking for the two who ultimately went home.

The results were announced by host Ryan Seacrest, revealing that Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley had received the fewest votes from the American public. The sudden departure of two such distinct and talented artists so close to the finish line underscored how tight the competition had become, proving that even a single off-night or a slight dip in voting support can be fatal in the final stages of Idol.

The American Idol Season 23 Finalists and Winner

With the elimination of Artis and Nalley, the competition was officially narrowed down to the Top 3 Finalists: Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts. These three artists moved on to the Grand Finale, which aired on May 18, 2025, to compete for the coveted title.

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• Jamal Roberts (Winner): The powerhouse vocalist from Meridian, Mississippi, who ultimately captured the hearts of America and was crowned the Season 23 winner. His journey was characterized by consistently strong, Gospel-infused performances and a charismatic stage presence.
• John Foster (Runner-Up): The soulful and versatile singer who finished in second place. Foster was celebrated for his wide vocal range and his ability to tackle challenging songs across multiple genres, often drawing comparisons to classic R&B legends.
• Breanna Nix (Third Place): The inspirational and dynamic performer who finished in third. Nix was known for her incredible stage energy and her powerful, contemporary Christian-pop style, earning high praise from the judges for her unwavering passion.

The final three represented a diverse blend of musical styles, from Roberts’ contemporary soul to Nix’s modern gospel and Foster’s classic R&B. Their success was a testament to the fact that while talent is essential, connecting with the voting public through consistent performance and personal storytelling is the ultimate key to surviving the elimination rounds.

What’s Next for the Eliminated Artists?

For contestants like Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley, being eliminated from American Idol is rarely the end of their musical career; it is often just the beginning. The show provides a massive platform, and both artists are expected to leverage their newfound fame and extensive exposure to launch successful careers.

Thunderstorm Artis, with his established background as a seasoned singer-songwriter, is well-positioned to release new original music and embark on a national tour. His unique sound and previous experience on national television give him a significant advantage in the post-Idol landscape. Fans are eagerly anticipating his next studio project, which is expected to blend his folk roots with his soulful vocal delivery.

Slater Nalley, as a young artist, now has the opportunity to build on his momentum. His original song “Traces of You” resonated deeply with viewers, suggesting a promising future as an indie-pop artist. The mentorship he received and the professional experience gained from performing live on a massive stage will be invaluable as he transitions from student to full-time recording artist. The journey of every contestant who went home on American Idol is a reminder that the show is merely a launchpad for a career in music, and the biggest successes often come after the cameras stop rolling.