The American Idol Season 23 premiere has officially kicked off with a powerful display of talent, as aspiring singers from all walks of life delivered unforgettable auditions. From emotional tributes to high-energy performances, these contestants have left their mark, securing coveted Golden Tickets to Hollywood.

Get to know the voices who will be vying for stardom this season as they embark on their journey to the big stage.

Abi Bowen

Age: 24

Hometown: Blountville, Tennessee

Audition: “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt

Abi Bowen, a 24-year-old stay-at-home mom from Blountville, Tennessee, captivated audiences during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season. Raised on a farm surrounded by goats, horses, and cows, Abi had long been a fan of the show, often watching with her late mother, Miriam. After her mother's passing, Abi found the courage to audition, despite her deep-seated fear of singing in public. In her audition, Abi wore dark sunglasses and faced away from the judges, a strategy to manage her nerves. She delivered a heartfelt rendition of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," a song previously performed by Carrie Underwood during her own American Idol audition. Impressed by her raw talent, judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan stood and moved to stand before Abi during her performance, surprising her when she opened her eyes. Despite her initial reservations, Abi received unanimous approval from all three judges, earning a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

Ché

Age: 28

Hometown: Essex, England

Audition: “Mirror” by Madison Ryann Ward

Ché Chesterman, a 28-year-old singer from Essex, England, first rose to fame as a finalist on the 2015 season of The X Factor UK, where he secured an impressive third place at just 18 years old. Nearly a decade later, he returned to the spotlight by auditioning for American Idol's 23rd season, delivering a soulful rendition of “Mirror” by Madison Ryann Ward. His rich, velvety voice and emotionally charged performance captivated judges, earning him unanimous praise and a coveted spot in the Hollywood rounds. Before stepping on stage, Ché shared a heartfelt video call with his three children, expressing how much he missed them. After the successful audition, he took to social media to thank his fans and share his excitement for the next chapter of his American Idol journey in Hollywood.

Joey Ciccone

Age: 27

Hometown: Utica, N.Y.

Audition: “Falling” by Harry Styles

Joey Ciccone’s audition was marked by visible nervousness. As he began singing Harry Styles’ “Falling,” he struggled to maintain composure, leading to concerns from the judges. Carrie Underwood, in her debut as a judge, empathized with Joey, sharing her own experiences with audition nerves. She, along with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, supported him through the moment, offering reassurance and guidance. Despite the challenges, Joey received a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.  

Insite

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Age: 18

Hometown: Naples, Florida

Audition: “Freak On a Leash” by Korn

Insite, an 18-year-old vocalist and drum instructor from Naples, Florida, made a powerful impression during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season on March 9, 2025. Auditioning with Korn’s iconic “Freak On a Leash,” Insite delivered a high-energy performance that showcased his unique vocal prowess and raw intensity. His commanding stage presence and dynamic delivery immediately caught the attention of the judges, including Carrie Underwood, who visibly enjoyed the performance and joined in with the powerful metal sound.

Insite’s performance didn’t stop there — he transitioned seamlessly into a cover of Drowning Pool's "Bodies," creating an electrifying moment that thrilled both the judges and the audience. Despite initial concerns from Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan about how his rock style would fit into the competition, Underwood’s support played a crucial role in advancing his audition. Ultimately, all three judges voted in favor of sending Insite to Hollywood, securing him a Golden Ticket.

Pat Johnson

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Age: 25

Hometown: Stratford, N.J.

Audition: “Need It” (original)

Pat Johnson, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Stratford, New Jersey, captivated audiences during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season on March 9, 2025. After years of auditioning, he finally secured a chance to perform his original composition, "Need It," for judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

Johnson's dynamic stage presence and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with the judges. Underwood praised his "cool voice" as "honest and gritty," expressing that he deserved to advance to Hollywood. Despite mixed reactions from some viewers, the judges unanimously agreed, awarding Johnson a Golden Ticket to the Hollywood rounds.

Kolbi Jordan

Age: 26

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Audition: “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)” by Chrisette Michele

Kolbi Jordan, a 26-year-old singer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, delivered a standout performance during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season on March 9, 2025. Auditioning with Chrisette Michele's "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)," Jordan's powerful vocals and emotional depth left a lasting impression on judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Her dynamic stage presence and heartfelt delivery earned her a unanimous decision to advance to the next round. In a memorable moment, Richie contacted Patti LaBelle, one of Jordan's idols, to personally introduce them, adding a special touch to her audition experience.

Later in the episode, Jordan was invited to perform at a Tennessee Titans football game, where she sang in front of 70,000 fans. Following this performance, the judges surprised her with the first Platinum Ticket of the season, granting her the advantage of skipping the first round of Hollywood auditions.

Baylee Littrell

Age: 21

Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia

Audition: “Waiting on Myself to Die” (original)

Baylee Littrell, 22, son of Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, auditioned for American Idol's 23rd season with his original song, "Waiting on Myself to Die." His heartfelt lyrics and mature delivery impressed judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, earning him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. During the audition, Baylee invited his father, Brian Littrell, to join him on stage for a duet. The judges praised Baylee's confidence and ability to hold his own alongside his superstar father. Underwood remarked that Baylee didn't "pale" in the duet, while Richie expressed pride in Baylee's choice to carve his own path.

Isaiah Misailegalu

Age: 17

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Audition: “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway

Isaiah Misailegalu, a 17-year-old from Oceanside, California, delivered a captivating audition on the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season. Performing Donny Hathaway's "A Song for You," Isaiah showcased his impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Accompanied by his uncle Luigi on guitar, his heartfelt rendition left a lasting impression on judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, earning him a Golden Ticket to the Hollywood rounds.

Slater Nalley

Age: 18

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Audition: “Traces of You” (original)

Slater Nalley, an 18-year-old from Metro Atlanta, had a deeply emotional moment during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season. He performed his original song, "Traces of You," which he wrote as a tribute to the late son of his high school English teacher, Mrs. Davis. The raw emotion behind his heartfelt lyrics and sincere delivery moved the judges to tears. Carrie Underwood, in particular, was visibly touched by the performance. Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan also expressed how much they were affected by Slater's emotional depth. Without hesitation, they unanimously awarded him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, recognizing not just his talent, but his ability to connect on such a personal level through music.

Breanna Nix

Age: 25

Hometown: Denton, Texas

Audition: “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood

Breanna Nix delivered a stunning rendition of "Jesus, Take the Wheel" that left Carrie Underwood in tears. With her husband accompanying on piano and her young son present, the heartfelt performance became an unforgettable moment.

For most singers, putting an audience to sleep isn’t ideal — but for 25-year-old Nix, it might have been her golden ticket to Hollywood. As the stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas, poured her soul into Underwood’s hit, her toddler Emerson dozed off in Underwood’s arms while Bryan rubbed his temple, a moment so sweet it brought the Idol alum to tears.

Lillie Zitlaly Rhoden

Age: 20

Hometown: Meridian, Mississippi

Audition: “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol

Lillie Zitlaly Rhoden, a 20-year-old from Meridian, Mississippi, electrified the judges during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season. Taking the stage with Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell," Lillie showcased a dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals that immediately captured the panel's attention. Her bold performance left a lasting impression, earning her a well-deserved spot in the Hollywood rounds.

Gabby Samone

Age: 22

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Audition: “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin

Gabby Samone, a 22-year-old singer from Chicago, Illinois, captivated the judges during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season. Performing Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," Gabby's powerful delivery and soulful voice left the panel in awe. Her heartfelt performance earned her a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. An interesting note in Gabby's journey: before her audition, renowned artist Jennifer Hudson discovered her on Instagram, sharing Gabby's performance and expressing admiration for her talent.

Kam’Ron Smith

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Age: 21

Hometown: Rocky Mount, Virginia

Audition: “Pickup Man” by Joe Diffie

Kam’Ron Smith brought energy and charm to the auditions with his lively performance of "Pickup Man." His smooth vocals, natural twang, and effortless stage presence captured the judges’ attention, delivering the perfect mix of country charisma and confidence. The 22-year-old from North Carolina had the room buzzing with his infectious enthusiasm, proving he has both the voice and personality to stand out. His performance earned him a well-deserved ticket to Hollywood, setting the stage for what could be a breakout journey on American Idol.

Shane Dan Turner

Age: 28

Hometown: Rockaway, N.Y.

Audition: Unknown

Shane Dan Turner’s American Idol audition was more than just a performance — it was a testament to resilience. The 29-year-old musician from Queens, New York, has leaned on music during life’s toughest moments. Teaching himself guitar at 13 while briefly in a Brooklyn foster home, he found solace in songwriting. By 16, after his family was displaced by Hurricane Sandy, he turned to performing in the subway to get by. Despite a shaky start to his audition, Turner found support from Carrie Underwood, who shared her own struggles with audition nerves. With renewed confidence, he pushed through and secured a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. His journey from subway busker to the Idol stage is nothing short of inspiring, proving that persistence and passion can turn dreams into reality. His audition will air soon.

Ian Ward

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Age: 28

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Audition: “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner

Ian Ward delivered a theatrical, emotionally charged performance of "I Want to Know What Love Is," bringing bold energy and a distinct artistic flair to the American Idol stage. His dramatic delivery and powerful vocals made a lasting impression, though the judges were divided on his unique approach. Despite the mixed reactions, his passion and risk-taking ultimately paid off, earning him a well-deserved Golden Ticket to Hollywood. With his fearless performance style and undeniable stage presence, Ward is set to be one of the most intriguing contestants to watch this season.

Crews Wright

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Age: 17

Hometown: Samson, Alabama

Audition: “The Fireman” by George Strait

Crews Wright, a 17-year-old high school student from Samson, Alabama, showcased his country charm during the premiere of American Idol's 23rd season. He delivered a lively rendition of George Strait's "The Fireman," accompanied by an acoustic guitar. His performance not only impressed judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan but also prompted a spontaneous duet with Luke Bryan, highlighting Crews' engaging stage presence and enthusiasm. The judges unanimously awarded him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, recognizing his potential in the country music scene.

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