American Idol Reveals Its Top 5 Contestants For Season 23
16-year-old Mattie Pruitt, the youngest competitor left on Season 23 of American Idol, was eliminated at the end of Sunday night’s (May 11) episode.
Mattie was only 15 when she auditioned for Idol and surprised the judges by bringing country singer Craig Campbell along with her. He played piano while Mattie beautifully sang Jessie Murph’s “How Could You.”
Lionel Richie called her performance “outstanding.” Carrie Underwood made it clear she thinks Mattie has a future in country music, telling her:
“The question isn’t ‘Are you going to be a successful country artist,’ it’s ‘Are we going to be a part of it?’ And the answer is yes.”
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Mattie earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood and continued to prove herself throughout the competition. When she was placed in jeopardy of being eliminated just shy of the Top 7, the judges used their “wildcard” save to keep her on the show.
Mattie and the other members of the Top 7 competed during “Disney Night” on Sunday (May 11). Each contestant performed a second song in honor of Mother’s Day.
The Top 5 contestants were revealed at night’s end. Unfortunately, the judges didn’t have a wildcard save this time.
Breanna Nix, Slater Nalley, John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis were the singers who advanced into the Top 5. Sadly, fans had to say “goodbye” to Mattie and Gabby Samone.
Mattie Pruitt Shares Emotional Post Following Her Idol Elimination
Shortly after her elimination, Mattie Pruitt took to social media to reflect on her Idol journey. She thanked her followers for supporting her throughout her time on the show, writing:
“Tonight was the end of my American Idol journey… but it’s just the beginning of everything else. I’ve learned so much, grown so much, and made memories I’ll carry with me forever. Thank you to everyone who voted, supported, encouraged, and believed in me—I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.”
Mattie ended her post with a promise that this won’t be the last time her fans will hear from her. She wrote, “This chapter might be closing, but the music doesn’t stop here. I’m just getting started.”
Fans shared their well-wishes for Mattie and expressed their shock over her heartbreaking elimination, leaving comments such as:
“Keep singing and shining Mattie!! Can’t wait to hear the music you make in the future!”
“You are my favorite singer on American Idol and I voted for you every single chance I could and I think bigger and better things are in store for you. Finish school and prepare yourself because you have an amazing voice and I will be following to see what you do next!”
“you were my favorite on the whole show!! seriously so good.”
“Beautiful voice! Keep shining bright!!”
“I was soooo upset. BUT the sky is the limit for you, keep climbing and keep pushing and you will accomplish anything you put your heart and soul into. Can’t wait to see what’s next and watch your career grow more.”
See Idol fans’ reactions to Mattie’s elimination by reading the comments on her post below. We wish her the best moving forward in her career!