With just one week to go until the season finale of “American Idol,” two more contestants are heading home.
Roughly 20 million votes from “Idol” fans whittled the Top 7 down to the Top 5 during Sunday night’s episode, eliminating Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone from the singing competition.
The evening’s Disney-themed episode offered the remaining “Idol” hopefuls two chances to impress viewers: first during a round of Disney song performances, and again when the singers each shared a Mother’s Day tribute. Actor, playwright and singer Lin-Manuel Miranda was the week’s guest mentor, and tapped into his experience as a Disney soundtrack composer to help the contestants prepare.
Pruitt performed “Remember Me” (from “Coco”) and “Those Kind of Women” by Lauren Alaina, while Samone selected “How Far I’ll Go” (from “Moana”) and “Home” (from “The Wiz”). While both women earned praise from Miranda and the judging panel, they received the fewest number of votes among their Season 23 peers.
Contestants who will advance to the Top 5 include Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Thunderstorm Artis. The remaining contestants will compete again Monday night in another Disney-themed round of the competition, where they’ll perform songs by their favorite Disney heroes and villains.
The following — and final — episode of Season 23 is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18.
