American Island life seems to be suiting the 2025 “American Idol” contestants just fine.
American The Top 24 no longer appear worn out after surviving the grind of Hollywood Week. They’ve now advanced far enough to take part in the show’s annual cross-promotional spectacle at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
On Sunday night, half of the remaining singers took the stage, applying the guidance they received from artist-in-residence Jelly Roll and mentor Ashanti. For the first time this season, the contestants performed for America’s vote, while judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood offered encouraging feedback and praise.
Out of the twelve performances, nearly every contestant delivered a standout moment. Here are the highlights from Episode 8 of “American Idol.”
Jelly Roll and Luke Bryan Admit Contestants Outshined Their Own Songs
“Luke, we’re 0 for 2!” artist-in-residence Jelly Roll joked to Luke Bryan after witnessing Mississippi’s Jamal Roberts deliver a powerhouse performance of his song—so powerful, even Lionel Richie said Jamal had “beat up” the original.
Both Jelly Roll and Bryan appeared humbled as the contestants took their songs to new heights. Jamal’s rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar” was packed with drama—complete with a stool kick, fierce stage presence, and a raw, gritty vocal delivery. Richie summed it up best: every time Jamal performs, he does it “like it might be the last time you ever sing.”
“I’d feel disrespectful calling this my song right now,” Jelly Roll said following Jamal’s performance. “This is Jamal’s song now. Tonight, I was just singing his song.”
Luke Bryan, meanwhile, took a more playful jab at the moment: “I’m mad at Jelly Roll—he over-mentored,” the country star joked.
Earlier in the episode, Illinois native Victor Solomon took a bold risk by performing Luke Bryan’s “That’s My Kind of Night” — and it paid off big time. The judges were on their feet almost immediately as Victor stole the spotlight with his energetic, hip-swinging, foot-tapping performance that easily outshone Bryan’s original.
Sporting a cowboy hat, suspenders (which didn’t survive all the dancing), and tight jeans, Victor commanded the stage with strong vocals and flawless stage presence, never missing a beat despite his energetic moves.
As a fast-food director from Peoria, Victor was the last person Luke Bryan expected to tackle his country-rock anthem—let alone outshine him. “You can truly out-dance me,” Bryan admitted. The performance was so electric that Ryan Seacrest jokingly urged Bryan to hop on stage and pick up a few moves for his upcoming summer tour.
Kolbi Jordan Delivers Powerful Comeback After Illness
Platinum ticket winner Kolbi Jordan hit the stage with Patti LaBelle’s “New Attitude,” ready to prove herself after illness held her back during Hollywood Week’s Showstopper round — and prove herself she did.
Kolbi’s voice was dynamic and elastic, stretching effortlessly from soaring highs to deep lows, showcasing her full vocal range. Her performance was electric and left nothing behind.