American Idol 2025 Top 20: Songs of Faith Special Brings Big Surprises and Emotional Moments

American Idol 2025’s Top 20: Faith Takes Center Stage

Sunday night wasn’t your regular American Idol 2025 episode. The Top 20 reveal came with a twist—a three-hour Easter special built around the theme 'Songs of Faith.' Easter always brings a bit more heart to the show, but this year, the spirit was everywhere you looked—from the contestants’ voices to the songs chosen, and the lineup of surprise guests who took the stage.

The Top 20 took their shot at faith-based anthems, putting emotion front and center. Whether it was the nerves or the nature of these powerful songs, some contestants seemed to reach a new level. Most talked-about was Canaan James Hill, who tackled Le’Andria Johnson’s 'Better Days.' It’s not an easy song to nail, but he blew everyone away, especially judges Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Lionel even jumped on stage to perform 'Eternity' with the Top 24, showing the contestants he can still walk the walk. Carrie herself sent chills through the room with a closing performance of 'How Great Thou Art'—it felt like you were in a stadium, not a TV studio.

Luke Bryan wasn’t left out, giving the audience his heartfelt 'Jesus ‘Bout Me Kids' before handing off the mic to the night’s guest stars. Gospel powerhouse CeCe Winans, fan-favorite idol alum Roman Collins, and family act the Brown Four gave a jolt of inspiration, reminding everyone what these kinds of songs mean outside the competition.

The big surprise: country rapper Jelly Roll paired up with Brandon Lake for the debut of 'Hard Fought Hallelujah.' With the crowd on its feet, it was clear this new gospel anthem hit the mark, tying the show’s past and present together in one sweeping chorus.

Voting, Eliminations, and What’s Next for the Top 20

Host Ryan Seacrest had his hands full, juggling high emotions and surprise performances while keeping the Top 20 on edge. After the last note rang out, the audience got the power. Voting was open through the Idol website, mobile app, or by texting contestant numbers to 21523—giving fans up to 30 votes per contestant (10 on each method). That frantic final push was set to end at 6:00 AM ET, meaning the night owl superfans got their say as well.

• Kyana Fanene
• Grayson Torrence
• MKY
• Peggy Samar

These four talented singers saw their Idol journeys come to an end, sparking hugs and tears both backstage and in the crowd. It’s that classic Idol bittersweet moment: dreams dashed for some, higher stakes for those moving forward.

The rest of the Top 20 are now one step closer to the crown, but the real pressure is just beginning. The next episode promises the razor-sharp reveal of the Top 14, where every vote—perhaps every note—could change someone’s life. With the blend of community, faith, and high-energy performances, this Idol season feels like it’s hitting a new gear just as the finish line starts to come into view.