The Final Cut: Who Got Eliminated On American Idol’s Shocking Road To The Top 3?

The journey on *American Idol* is a rollercoaster of dreams and heartbreaks, and the final stages of the most recent season, Season 23 (often referred to as the 2025 season), delivered some of the most surprising results in recent memory. As of today, December 12, 2025, the dust has settled on the intense competition, culminating in a series of dramatic eliminations that narrowed the field from the talented Top 5 down to the ultimate winner.

The latest eliminations before the Grand Finale saw fan favorites sent home in a brutal double-cut, leaving viewers stunned and sparking intense debate across social media. This comprehensive breakdown reveals exactly who was eliminated, their biographical details, and the performances that marked the end of their incredible run on the iconic singing competition.

Complete List of Last Eliminated Contestants (The Top 5 to Top 3 Cut)

The most critical elimination round prior to the finale is where the Top 5 contestants are whittled down to the elite Top 3. This particular episode was themed around a Mother's Day tribute and Disney Night, requiring the singers to perform two songs each. The results were immediate and devastating for two powerhouse vocalists.

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The two contestants who were eliminated in this final, dramatic round were Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt, with Slater Nalley having been eliminated in the preceding week, just shy of the Top 5. Their departure set the stage for the final showdown.

Gabby Samone: Baltimore’s Powerhouse Vocalist

Gabby Samone’s journey on *American Idol* was defined by her incredible vocal range and her ability to command the stage, despite admitting to being naturally shy. Her elimination was a major shock to many viewers who saw her as a strong contender for the title.

• Full Name: Gabby Samone
• Born: February 28, 2002
• Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
• Genre: Pop/R&B
• Idol Journey Highlight: Known for her powerful, soulful performances and her ability to bring an emotional depth to every song, stemming from her roots singing in her Baltimore church choir.
• Elimination Round: Top 5 (Double Elimination)

Samone consistently impressed judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and host Ryan Seacrest with her polished R&B style. Her final performances, while strong, did not garner enough of the crucial public vote to secure her a spot in the Top 3.

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Mattie Pruitt: The Young Country Star

Mattie Pruitt was one of the youngest contestants in the competition, yet she performed with a maturity and vocal control far beyond her years. Her elimination was particularly emotional, as she had delivered a touching, memorable performance.

• Full Name: Mattie Pruitt
• Born: April 15, 2009
• Hometown: Eagleville, Tennessee (just outside Nashville)
• Age at Competition: 15 years old
• Genre: Country/Folk
• Idol Journey Highlight: Her performance of "Remember Me" from the Disney movie *Coco* during the Mother's Day/Disney Night theme was widely praised for its emotional resonance and technical skill.
• Elimination Round: Top 5 (Double Elimination)

The 15-year-old high school student, supported by her parents Eleanora and Justin Pruitt, quickly became a fan favorite. Her departure proved that even a flawless performance could not guarantee safety against the unpredictable nature of the American public vote.

Slater Nalley: The Country Singer-Songwriter

Slater Nalley was the contestant eliminated in the week immediately preceding the Top 5, solidifying the final group of contestants. His authentic country sound and original songwriting captivated the audience throughout the season.

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• Full Name: Slater Nalley
• Age: 18 years old
• Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
• Genre: Country Singer-Songwriter
• Idol Journey Highlight: He impressed the judges early on by auditioning with an original song titled "Traces of You." He managed to balance his senior year at the Lovett School with the demanding schedule of the *American Idol* competition.
• Elimination Round: Top 8 to Top 5 Cut

Nalley's early exit, despite his strong fanbase and unique artistic voice, highlighted the intense competition at the Top 10 level. His focus on traditional country music resonated with many, and his post-Idol career is highly anticipated.

The Most Shocking Eliminations of the Season

While the Top 5 elimination was dramatic, the season also featured several other surprising departures that left fans of *American Idol* Season 23 reeling. The shift from the Top 24 to the Top 20 was particularly controversial, demonstrating the power and volatility of the live viewer voting process.

The MKY Uproar

Perhaps the most talked-about "shocking elimination" of the season was that of MKY, also known by his full name, Mikey Jimenez. The Mexican-American singer from East Los Angeles was a breakout star early in the competition, known for his unique style and captivating stage presence.

MKY was voted off during the Easter Special episode, alongside other talented singers like Kyana Fanene, Grayson Torrence, and Penny Samar.

Fans immediately took to social media, calling the result a "robbery" and expressing their disbelief that such a popular and talented contestant did not advance to the Top 20. MKY's elimination served as a stark reminder that popularity and talent do not always align with the voting demographics, especially in the early live rounds.

The Final Three: Who Made the Grand Finale?

Following the elimination of Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt, the field was narrowed down to three incredible contestants who would compete for the coveted *American Idol* title. The final three represented a diverse blend of genres and vocal styles, promising an unforgettable finale.

The three singers who advanced to the Grand Finale were:

1. Jamal Roberts: The eventual winner of *American Idol* Season 23.
2. John Foster: The season’s runner-up.
3. Breanna Nix: Finished in third place.

These three artists had consistently delivered stellar performances throughout the competition, earning praise from the judging panel of Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and the returning host Ryan Seacrest. Their final battle showcased their versatility, growth, and the sheer star power they had developed over the season.

What’s Next for the Eliminated Contestants?

For many contestants, elimination from *American Idol* is not an ending, but a new beginning. The exposure gained from the show, even for those eliminated in the Top 10, is invaluable for launching a professional music career.

Singers like Gabby Samone and Slater Nalley have already leveraged their newfound fame to build their online presence and begin working on original music. Samone, the powerhouse vocalist from Baltimore, is expected to continue her work in the Pop/R&B space, while country singer-songwriter Nalley is poised to make a significant impact in the Nashville scene, having already signed with Warner Records Nashville.

The journey of every *American Idol* contestant, from the initial auditions in Nashville or Los Angeles to the final elimination on the main stage, contributes to the rich tapestry of the show. The eliminations of Mattie Pruitt, Gabby Samone, and the shocking exit of MKY will be remembered as key, dramatic moments of *American Idol* Season 23, proving that in a competition this fierce, no one is truly safe.