American Idol 2023 Episode 18 Recap: Who Made The Top 3?

American Idol 2023 Disney Night
Photographed: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan (Disney/Kent Phillips)

We are only two episodes away from seeing the crowning of the winner of American Idol 2023. We’ve seen all five of these contestants’ journeys, from their first auditions to now. We’ve seen their best performances and some of their not-so-great performances. We’ve seen them grow in confidence, and their style reflecting that, both in their fashion sense and with their vocal styling. It’s really been a long but satisfying journey for the Idol contestants and the viewers.

We only have a few more performances left in American Idol 2023. This means that every new performance has to stand out and prove that the contestants deserve your votes. Tonight’s American Idol 21 Top 5 performances are vital because they will result in the Top 3 making it to the finale. 

It’s a very important night for the Idol hopefuls. It’s also a fun night with Disney songs being the focus. We already know the two songs the Top 5 will sing tonight and we are excited to watch and hear them. I personally am also really excited to hear Sara Bareilles and Halle Bailey perform tonight. We’re also sure that Sofia Carson will give some great advice.  It’s one of the most critical and exciting nights of American Idol. 

Let’s dig into the American Idol 21 recap.

American Idol Sofia Carson on Disney Night
Photographed: Iam Tongi and Sofia Carson (Disney/Kent Phillips)

The episode starts with Ryan Seacrest, Luke, Katy, and Lionel doing a skit with Ryan as a genie. A really bad genie who can’t grant any wishes. It then transitions to Sara Bareilles singing “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio. Ryan introduces the judges and Katy decides to dress as Elastigirl aka Mrs. Incredible from The Incredibles this year for Disney Night.

The Performances

Who will stand out the most among a group of extremely talented performers?

We Ani kicks off the performances with “Into the Unknown” from Frozen II. You can vote for We Ani by texting 8 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App.  Lionel said this was the way to start the show. He said she did a fantastic job. Katy said it was incredible. Luke said that he doesn’t think she has hit a bad note all year. He called her a superstar.

Zachariah Smith sings “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” from The Lion King. You can vote for Zachariah by texting 11 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App.  Katy said he was the underdog and was now a week away from making the finale. She said that she loves when he just lets his body spaz out. Luke said that his entertainment is at a high high level. Lionel said that the arrangement was tough and he was in the driver’s seat. He said he was on fire.

Colin Stough sings “Real Gone” from Cars. Luke said that a Cars song made him really comfortable. He said this is the most confident he’s been. He said it’s his favorite Colin performance. Lionel said that his comfort zone and confidence were perfect with this song. Katy said he took a risk and it worked out really well. You can vote for Colin by texting 6 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App.

Megan Danielle sings “You Can’t Stop The Girl” from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. You can vote for Megan by texting 10 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App. Lionel said it was a stellar performance. He said her voice has reached a new level. Katy said this is the most she’s stretched her vocals.  Luke said she is a vocalist.

All the Top 5 Idols have songs dropping this Friday.

Iam Tongi sings “Lava” from Lava. You can vote for Iam by texting 12 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App. Katy said he knows exactly who he is and it’s a superstar. Luke said he’s so authentic to who he is. He said people gravitate towards him. Luke said he makes a room light up. Lionel said that he’s a master storyteller. He said that his dreams have come true.

We Ani‘s next song is “The Climb” from Hannah Montana: The Movie. You can vote for We Ani by texting 8 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App. Luke said he loved her arrangement. He said she’s eloquent in her delivery.  Lionel said he loves her and everything she sings, she makes you feel it. Katy said that everything she has done has been about the climb. She thought she was a master of her craft.

Halle Bailey comes out to sing “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. 

Zachariah Smith sings “Life Is A Highway” from Cars. You can vote for Zachariah by texting 11 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App. Lionel said that he loves when Zachariah brings the fire to the stage. Katy said that it was the perfect song for his voice.

Colin Stough‘s second song is “Nobody Knows” from Pete’s Dragon. Katy said that he drew everyone in with this performance. She said he is showing them so many things and growing before their eyes. Luke said that he does an amazing job at holding the room. He said he was proud of him. Lionel said he has a stage presence. He said he steps into his light. You can vote for Colin by texting 6 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App.

Megan Danielle sings “Carried Me With You” from Onward. You can vote for Megan by texting 10 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App. Luke called her performance effortless and natural. He said she has a magical tone and delivery. He said her voice tells her story every time she sings. Katy said that her singing is angelic.

Iam Tong closes the night with his performance of the song “Father and Son” from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. You can vote for Iam by texting 12 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol App. Lionel said this is magical and all the stars have aligned. Katy said that when she sees his name she sees “I am the next American Idol. Luke said that he’s proud of everything these contestants have done this season.

The Elimination

Who will go home tonight?

Pitbull, TLC, Jasmine Sullivan, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, James Blunt, and many more are among the names performing at next week’s season finale.

Colin Stough is the first to make it into the Top 3.

Megan Danielle is the second to make it into the Top 3.

Iam Tongi is the last to make it into the Top 3.

This means that We Ani and Zachariah Smith are going home.

Join us next week for the exciting American Idol 2023 finale. We’ll see which one of the Top 3 takes home the title of American Idol winner. Make sure to add us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with everything American Idol.

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