“One of the best things” American Idol judge Luke Bryan compliments Gabby Samone’s performance 

Gabby Samone is showing no signs of slowing down on American Idol. The 22-year-old Baltimore native keeps turning heads with her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances. Her take on Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You” left judge Luke Bryan absolutely stunned—he called it “one of the best things I’ve ever seen sitting in this chair.”

With each round, Gabby proves she’s not just a great singer, she’s a true artist. Her range, control, and emotional delivery have made her one of the season’s clear standouts.

Now in the Top 10, she’s not just chasing a dream, she’s showing why Idol, even after two decades, still matters. Gabby’s journey is a reminder that incredible talent can come from anywhere, and right now, she’s proudly putting Baltimore on the map.

With each appearance, Samone proves she isn't just participating in the competition – she's redefining it with performances that leave even the most experienced industry professionals speechless.

Gabby Samone leaves American Idol judges speechless

Samone didn’t just sing a Whitney Houston song, she owned it. Tackling one of the most vocally demanding catalogs in music is no small feat, but she stepped up with poise and power, wowing all three judges. Lionel Richie called it "phenomenal," and Carrie Underwood was left in awe, calling it simply "incredible."

This Baltimore native has been flexing her range week after week. After her standout Whitney moment, she took on Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You” in the “Iconic Idol Moments” episode, a heartfelt nod to Elliott Yamin’s unforgettable 2006 rendition. During rehearsals, Samone got some one-on-one time with her idol and guest mentor Fantasia, a Season 3 winner who's clearly played a big role in shaping her journey.

"Seeing a Black woman win 'American Idol' is important," Samone reflected during the episode.

Declaring:

"I saw myself on the screen."

The impact of Samone's performance was immediate and profound. After her rehearsal, Fantasia was at a loss for words, simply stating:

"I don't have anything to say."

When Samone performed officially, the judges' reactions echoed this sentiment.

"When you render Fantasia speechless, you have done something," remarked Bryan.

Carrie Underwood managed only to call the performance "absolute perfection," while Lionel Richie added:

"I think Fantasia said it best at the end — I have nothing more to say."

Gabby Samone’s journey through American Idol

Samone's journey on American Idol began when she auditioned in January 2025. Since then, she has navigated multiple elimination rounds with impressive consistency.

Following Sunday's elimination that saw Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts depart, Monday's episode resulted in Filo and Ché Chesterman being sent home based on approximately 22 million viewer votes.

Despite the high-pressure environment, Samone continues to elevate her performances. During Monday's show, she shared a personal connection to her music, saying:

"When I sing this song, I am thinking about that little girl that was so insecure and so afraid to be herself."

Samone will next participate in a "Ladies' Night"-themed episode of the Top 10. She has established herself as a strong candidate for the championship because to her constant ability to choose difficult songs and perform them with both technical mastery and emotional resonance.

While the competition remains fierce, Samone's statement that "Even though I'm new here, I belong with the greats" seems increasingly prophetic with each performance.

For Baltimore fans and new admirers alike, Samone represents the essence of what American Idol was designed to discover – extraordinary talent that might otherwise remain hidden. As the competition progresses, viewers can expect more memorable moments from this rising star who continues to prove that sometimes the best performances leave even the most experienced judges without words.

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You can watch American Idol Season 23 every Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, or stream episodes the next day on Hulu.