“Completely overwhelmed” American Idol star Amanda Berise comments on being saved from elimination 

Amanda Berise had a close call on Season 23 of American Idol, nearly singing her final note before the judges threw her a much-needed lifeline. After falling short in the viewer vote, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie swooped in with a save, picking her as one of four contestants to round out the Top 14.

Speaking at Hulu’s Get Real event, Amanda shared just how overwhelmed and grateful she was by the dramatic twist of fate.

"[It was] a myriad of emotions," Amanda told TV Insider.

Elaborating:

"I mean, it was completely overwhelming. I was last to be out on stage to sing and I was also then last to be saved. So I had to wait through the entire show to find out what my fate would be. I'm completely honored that the judges did see something in me that maybe America didn't see in my last performance."

The aspiring R&B-jazz artist now hopes to win over the viewing audience in the upcoming live performances scheduled for Sunday, April 27, while reflecting on the intense pressure of waiting to hear her fate during the elimination show on American Idol.

American Idol’s Amanda Berise expresses gratitude for being saved

Berise didn't hold back her appreciation for the judges who rescued her from elimination. She highlighted how each judge has supported her throughout different stages of the competition.

"All three of the judges have had my back in respective ways at different times during different episodes," she explained.

The performer noted how meaningful their encouragement has been, adding:

"I feel that they want me to succeed."

The announcement of her save carried extra significance as it came from Carrie Underwood, herself a former American Idol winner. Berise acknowledged this special connection, saying:

"Carrie did announce it last night. She was the one that announced [they] were saving me."

The American Idol contestant admitted that Underwood's opinion "carries a little bit more weight" given her history with the show.

Despite the close call with elimination, Berise maintains a positive outlook on her future regardless of the competition's outcome. Her perspective reveals a mature understanding of the entertainment industry.

"You don't have to win to have a big career," she pointed out wisely.

Her ambitions extend beyond simply winning the show, as she explained:

"My goal for this competition, and my time on the show is connecting with an audience that loves alternative R&B, loves alternative jazz, and loves a soulful singer."

This focus on building a fanbase rather than just chasing the title demonstrates her strategic approach to the competition as a career launchpad rather than an end goal.

Another contestant who was given a second chance

Berise wasn't the only contestant saved by the American Idol judges' intervention. Fellow competitor Ché Chesterman also received a second chance, describing the judges' decision as feeling "amazing."

While Berise has maintained confidence in her artistic direction, Chesterman plans to adjust his approach based on judge Luke Bryan's feedback about song selection.

"I'm very old school with what I pick. I don't really take into consideration whether the public might like it," Chesterman admitted, revealing his intention to choose more recognizable songs moving forward.

Unlike Berise, whose comments suggest a more defined artistic vision, Chesterman described his strategy as taking "everything as it goes" without planning too far ahead.

The emotional roller coaster of nearly being eliminated has been balanced by an outpouring of fan support for Berise. She expressed genuine gratitude for viewers who have reached out following her near-elimination.

"The fact that people are reaching out, saying that they're so happy I was saved, and they're going to continue to vote for me, and they don't want me to be in the bottom ever again... I mean, the love and support... it's just overwhelming," she shared.

As Berise gears up for her next big performance, the real test begins—turning the judges’ praise into actual viewer votes. It’s the classic American Idol conundrum: the pros may love you, but it’s the audience that decides your fate.

Catch Berise, Chesterman, and the rest of the Top 14 battling it out live this Sunday as they sing their hearts out for a shot at the American Idol crown.

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You can watch American Idol Season 23 live on ABC every Sunday night, or stream episodes the next day on Hulu.