American Idol 2023 Finalists - Who are the Top 12 Contestants?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Apr 26, 2023
American Idol 2023
On February 19, 2023, the American Idol reality show singing competition's 21st season made its debut on the ABC television network, marking the sixth season since its revival to air on ABC. Ryan Seacrest resumed his role as host, while Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie resumed their positions as judges.
For the 21st season, the Idol Across America virtual auditions program made a comeback, following its successful run in the previous two seasons. The remote auditions were conducted from August 3 to September 14, 2022, in addition to open-call auditions. From the pool of applicants, the producers handpicked the contestants who went on to audition for the judges.
Similar to last season, the "platinum ticket" was also awarded during the audition round. Three recipients were given this ticket, granting them the chance to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week and choose their partners for the Duet Challenge, prior to the other contestants being paired. At the American Music Awards, three other contestants moving on to Hollywood Week were given the opportunity to compete for a fourth platinum ticket. Ultimately, Tyson Venegas, Kaylin Hedges, Cam Amen, and Elijah McCormick emerged as the winners of the coveted platinum tickets.
After each group performed, the judges evaluated their performances and made their decisions. Those who advanced moved on to the Duet Challenge. The platinum ticket holders were allowed to choose their duet partners, while the judges paired the remaining contestants. The duet pairs were given twelve hours to rehearse, including a consultation with a vocal coach, a stage rehearsal, and a session for advice from one of the judges. Those who passed the Duet Challenge then progressed to the Showstopper Round.
American Idol 2023 Finalists
American Idol can be a nerve-wracking experience at any point in the competition. Whether it's the initial audition where contestants face judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, or the tense moments during Hollywood Week, the Top 26 announcement, or the live shows, the stakes are always high. And now, we've reached the point in the competition where the Top 20 will be trimmed down to the Top 12.
Based on the audience's votes, 10 contestants have advanced to the next round, while the remaining two spots will be filled by the judges' selection. As a result, tonight, on April 24, 2023, eight hopefuls were eliminated from the competition.
After the lengthy three-hour episode last night, tonight's American Idol show returned to the usual two-hour format. Despite a pesky fly causing some disturbances during the performances (if you know, you know), all the contestants managed to deliver exceptional performances. And now, it's time to unveil this season's Top 12 contestants.
1
Colin Stough
18
Mississippi
2
Haven Madison
17
Tennessee
3
Iam Tongi
18
Hawaii
4
Lucy Love
28
Arkansas
5
Marybeth Byrd
21
Arkansas
6
Megan Danielle
20
Georgia
7
Nutsa
25
The Republic of Georgia
8
Oliver Steele
25
Tennessee
9
Tyson Venegas
17
Canada
10
Warren Peay
24
South Carolina
11
Wé Ani
23
New York
12
Zachariah Smith
19
Mississippi
S.No
Name
Age
Place
Who Made the American Idol Top 12?
During the April 24th episode of American Idol, the top 20 contestants will be narrowed down to the top 12. Each of the 20 contestants will perform, and then be sorted into either the victory or danger zone. Once the 10 contestants with the most votes are announced as the top 12, the judges will select the final 2 finalists. Unfortunately, 8 of the contestants will be eliminated by the end of the episode.
We Ani
Anni is the first to secure a spot in American Idol's top 12 with a stunning performance of "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. Following Anni, Michael Williams takes the stage and is at risk of elimination. Michael performs a smooth and ethereal version of "golden hour" by JVKE. Katy Perry enjoys Michael's overall energy and humorously suggests that he wasn't voted for due to envy.
Warren Peay
After We McDonald, Warren Peay becomes the next contestant to make it to the top 12 in American Idol. He impresses with his performance of “It’s Not My Time” by 3 Doors Down while flaunting his long locks. However, Mariah Faith finds herself in the danger zone and has to perform for a judge's save. She delivers a powerful rendition of “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” by The Steeldrivers, earning praise from Judge Luke Bryan who says, “That’s the Mariah we’ve been used to. It was the perfect song choice for you tonight.”
Haven Madison
Haven Madison secures her spot in the top 12 with a breathtaking performance of her own song "Fifteen," which she had previously sung during her audition. Nailyah Serenity, on the other hand, has to perform to survive and delivers a stunning rendition of Sia's "Alive." "You are a genuine star," Katy Perry praises Nailyah for her performance.
Tyson Venegas
The only platinum ticket holder left has made it to the Top 12. The 17-year-old Canadian celebrated his achievement with a rendition of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." His audition had already impressed the judges, and on Monday he finally returned with the same level of performance.
Colin Stough
With a breathtaking and intimate performance of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” Colin Stough secures a spot in the top 12 and becomes a formidable contender. Luke can't contain his excitement and jumps up and down in elation. He even rushes to embrace Colin. “That was the moment that can change your life,” Katy remarks, acknowledging the gravity of Colin's performance.
MaryBeth Byrd
After Colin's stunning performance, Marybeth Byrd is the next to join the top 12 with her rendition of Morgan Wallen's "Cover Me Up." However, Kaeyra is in the danger zone, and she has to sing for survival. She delivers an impressive performance of "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & The Pips, earning praise from Katy who gives her an "A+."
Iam Tongi
Iam Tongi secures his spot in the top 12 with a unique rendition of Lionel's hit song, "Stuck On You." During his performance, a fly briefly lands on his head, but he remains unfazed. After his performance, Lionel rushes on stage to embrace Iam, giving him his stamp of approval.
Oliver Steele
After securing his place in the top 12, Oliver Steele showcases his artistic flair with a captivating and unconventional performance of Shania Twain's "You're Still The One." Despite previously doubting himself, Oliver is now determined to leave his uncertainties behind and give it his all in the competition.
Lucy Love
Lucy Love failed to make it to the top 12, but she gives it her all to earn the judges' pick. Her performance of Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" impresses everyone and showcases a different side of her. The crowd chants her name after the performance, and Lionel expresses his support for her, saying, "If I have to bet on anybody, I'm going to bet on you."
Zachariah Smith
Zachariah Smith is the latest contestant to secure his spot in the top 12 alongside Iam, Oliver, and the other contenders. He delivers an electrifying performance of the Toto rock classic "Hold The Line," showcasing his high energy and passion on stage. Zachariah never fails to give his all in every performance!
Megan Danielle
Danielle pays tribute to her idol Lauren Daigle with a stunning performance of “Thank God I Do” and secures her place in the top 12 as the final contestant voted in by the viewers at home. Despite underestimating her, the performance has made it clear that Danielle has the potential to make it all the way to the finale.
Nutsa
Nutsa closed the final night of performances, aiming to win a judges' pick. She channeled her inner Jennifer Hudson with a powerful rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls, a song choice that carried a strong message. Luke praised her for delivering an outstanding performance, especially under immense pressure. Ultimately, both Luke and Katy declared their support for Nutsa and granted her the remaining judges' slot in the Top 12.
Who Didn’t Made the American Idol Top 12?
Michael Williams
Williams was the first contestant to perform in the survival round, and he tried to impress the judges with his cover of JVKE's "Golden Hour." It was decent overall, but he seemed a bit nervous and had some pitch issues in certain parts. It's understandable to feel the pressure of singing in front of a national audience that didn't choose you.
Hannah Nicolaisen
Nicolaisen found herself in the danger zone after performing a version of Lorde's "Royals" that lacked her usual confidence. Despite her nerves, Ryan Seacrest acknowledged the challenge of having to perform under the added pressure of facing elimination.
Matt Wilson
Did anyone else find it unexpected to see Wilson in the danger zone? Although his performance was not remarkable last night, he appeared to be a fan favorite. Nevertheless, he delivered a more refined and expert rendition of Giveon’s “For Tonight” this time, and his usual charm remained unchanged. Unfortunately, it was insufficient to keep him in the competition.
Paige Anne
On Monday's episode, Anne aimed to avoid elimination for the second time by singing Pink's "I Am Here." Her journey this season has been tumultuous, and her performance was filled with nerves and emotion. However, I believe it was one of the most impressive redemption performances of the night, and her nerves added to the intensity of her delivery. She hit some remarkable notes that left a lasting impression on me. I genuinely believed that she had a good chance of receiving one of the judges' saves, but unfortunately, I was proven wrong.
Nailyah Serenity
I am baffled as to why Serenity did not make it to the Top 12, and I am not alone in this sentiment. I have been a fan of hers since the beginning, and her performance last night was outstanding. Sia's "I'm Still Breathing" was the perfect song choice for her given the situation. As someone who supports Serenity, I would have preferred if some of her high notes were cleaner, but I can't blame her for being nervous and singing under intense pressure. I am truly going to miss her.
Mariah Faith
Faith got her second chance to perform on the show after not receiving enough votes from the audience. She sang The Steeldrivers' "If It Hadn't Been For Love" and gave it her all. Faith's impressive range and gritty vocals shone through as she sang with her full power. Despite her undeniable talent, Faith did not make it to the Top 12 and will be missed.
Kaeyra
Kaeyra's fearless rendition of "If I Were Your Woman" appeared to be a bold statement to those who did not support her. Her vocal abilities, image, and attitude altogether make her a complete artist. I cannot comprehend why anyone would fail to appreciate her. I believe that American Idol provided Kaeyra with the opportunity to showcase her talent and potential, and I see a promising career ahead for her.
Olivia Soli
It was surprising to see Olivia Soli not make it into the top 12, but she brought her best to the stage with her rendition of Ariana Grande’s “God is a Woman.” Luke was taken aback that Olivia didn’t make it through because he believes she has one of the biggest voices he’s heard during his six years as a judge on the show.
American Idol 2023 Finalists - FAQs
Williams was the first contestant to sing for their life.
Kaeyra performed "If I Were Your Woman" during her shot at a second chance.
Luke was stunned that Olivia Soli did not make it into the top 12, calling her one of the "biggest voices we've heard in my 6 years of sitting behind this desk."
Faith was eliminated after her performance of The Steeldrivers' "If It Hadn’t Been For Love".