For the 21st occasion, the enduring talent competition series American Idol has unveiled the season’s top 10. Spanning ages from 17 to 25 and representing diverse genres, the top 10 contenders of season 21 engaged in the first comprehensive interviews of their Idol journey with Billboard. Individually, the aspirants entered an office at Red Studios in Hollywood to discuss their lives, aspirations, and their paths on Idol. Though each participant underwent a private interview, many cited the same series alumni as their favourite Idols ever. Let’s explore the top 10 American idol of 2023.
Some facts
Kelly Clarkson, the winner of Season 1 who presently hosts a successful daytime TV series on NBC, garnered the most mentions, followed closely by Carrie Underwood (winner of Season 4) and Laine Hardy (winner of Season 17).
“If you participate in the show, you become part of the American Idol alumni. You contribute to our legacy. This show has transformed lives in numerous ways,” remarked executive producer and showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick to Billboard. “I believe American Idol has become akin to the NFL, where individuals dedicate their entire lives to appearing on the show. It has transcended being just a TV show. It’s a dream one can aspire to — budding singers emerge every day.”
With the announcement of the current top 10 made on-air on Sunday (April 30) on ABC, here are the Billboard interviews featuring the top 10 finalists of season 21.
Here are the top 10 American Idol 2023
1. Wé Ani
- Born: Jan. 23, 1999 – Harlem, New York City, N.Y.
- Favourite Alumni: Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson
- Musical Influences: Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Yebba, Drake, Childish Gambino.
- First Idol Experience: “I don’t remember an age when I didn’t know American Idol. You’d watch how [the contestants] transitioned from somebody who was just auditioning to somebody who is performing on a huge stage and having all of America love them. I thought, ‘I want that to be me one day.’”
Growing up in Harlem and also in New Jersey, Wé Ani’s earliest memory of music is listening to the soundtrack to the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz and then watching the movie. “We had it on VHS. I’d put it in and then I’d hit rewind as soon as I figured out how to hit the rewind button and then I got introduced to The Wiz and I thought, ‘I didn’t know they could do other versions,’ and it blew my mind. So I started exploring a lot of different artists and I knew that music made me feel amazing.”
Did she succeed? “Yes. I’m determined and headstrong. I aimed to entertain.” She didn’t earn from bar gigs, but at 16, she received $50 for performing at Harlem jazz club Minton’s Playhouse through an afterschool program. This paved the way for performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Library of Congress, and the Apollo. Despite being only 16, she competed at the Apollo four times, winning first place in the adults category twice.
2. Marybeth Byrd
- Born: April 12, 2001 – Jonesboro, Ark.
- Favourite Alum: Maddie Poppe
- Musical Influences: Adele, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, Ellie Goulding
- First Idol Experience: “My mom always watched and I would be in and out of the living room. I’d see her watching it and she was over the moon when Carrie Underwood won.”
For her performance on the April 30th episode, Byrd selected a tune she initially encountered while enjoying a film with her mother. “My mother and I share a deeply meaningful bond, and during my upbringing, we indulged in various activities together, including watching the movie Mamma Mia! The soundtrack became a staple in our car rides. My mother, being industrious, often took me along on her errands when I was young. I can still vividly recall sitting in my car seat, listening to her repeatedly play songs from the movie, with ‘Dancing Queen’ being a personal favourite of mine.”
When Byrd began showcasing ABBA’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit in talent shows, she stuck closely to the original arrangement. However, tonight marked a departure. “I infused my artistic flair into it, incorporating a hint of country twang alongside the pop elements, including a pop falsetto.”
3. Megan Danielle
- Born: February 10, 2002 – Cobb County, Georgia
- Favourite Graduates: Kelly Clarkson, Laci Kaye Booth, Gabby Barrett, Carrie Underwood
- Musical Inspirations: Miranda Lambert, Adele, Chris Stapleton, Zach Williams, Lauren Daigle, We the Kingdom
- Initial Idol Encounter: Viewing with her grandparents at the age of seven. “I found the entire idea fascinating. I aspired to participate, and now I’m here.”
Reflecting on her Idol journey thus far, Danielle expresses, “It’s incredible, as each individual is exceptionally gifted. Everyone is incredibly kind. I’ve formed strong bonds with Marybeth [Byrd] and Lucy [Love]. While everyone is remarkable, our connection with God has brought Marybeth, Lucy, and me even closer. We discuss everything, and it’s truly meaningful to share our lives.”
4. Haven Madison
- Date of Birth: March 3, 2006 – Clarksville, Tennessee
- Top Influences: Carrie Underwood, HunterGirl, Emyrson Flora
- Musical Inspirations: Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Lizzy McAlpine, Brandon Lake
- Earliest Music Inspiration: “Viewing with my grandmother. I was captivated by Jordin Sparks.”
Madison’s journey on Idol sounds inspiring! It’s incredible how her original song resonated with so many people, showing that she’s not alone in her feelings. It’s a reminder that music has a unique power to connect us all.
5. Warren Peay
Peay’s initial response was that the invitation seemed dubious. “I couldn’t believe someone was contacting me. I nearly ignored it, but then I considered, ‘Perhaps it’s not absurd. Maybe it’s legitimate. Why not? I’ll reply.’ I auditioned in Nashville, and now, look where we are. It’s crazy to think I almost didn’t reply — I might still be repairing appliances or stuck in my previous job, producing industrial power cables.”
6. Zachariah Smith
- Date of Birth: March 31, 2003 – Ft. Wayne, Indiana
- Top Picks: James Durbin, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Maddie Poppe, Jay
- Musical Inspirations: Michael Jackson, George Strait, Foreigner, Toto, Journey
- Initial Idol Encounter: Witnessing James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, and Scotty McCreery on season 10.
As significant as music is to Smith, he holds another vital role in life. “I cherish being a father. It’s one of the most profound experiences I’ve had, alongside music. What’s truly special is hearing my children sing the songs I perform. I’m driving down the road and hearing them sing ‘Little Lies’ by Fleetwood Mac. They wouldn’t have known that song if I hadn’t introduced it to them. Or my eight-year-old daughter comes up to me and says, ‘Look daddy, I can do this Michael Jackson move.’ They all adore music, and I’ll always support my children in whatever they choose to do, and they know that. If music ceased to exist and the world stopped turning, as long as I have my kids, that’s all that matters.”
7. Oliver Steele
- Born: July 8, 1997 – Howell, Michigan
- Top Picks: Maddie Poppe, Walker Burroughs, Phillip Phillips, Alejandro Aranda, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry
- Music Inspirations: Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Allen Stone, Chris Stapleton, Daniel Caesar
- Earliest Idol Memory: Viewing Kelly Clarkson’s performances at the age of five. “It’s still vivid. Everybody in the house was talking about the show and we gathered around to watch the episodes.”
Steele wouldn’t even divulge the title of the melody. “That secret remains with me. I’ll let you know it’s two words, but I won’t disclose what those words are.” Steele also took part in a couple of school musicals, but the choir was where he experienced the most development as a vocalist. “I recall choir vividly because it was the highlight of my day.
I had an exceptional teacher, Sandra Elliott, who is one of the finest educators to have ever existed. She was adept at recognizing the potential in her students and nurturing it, helping it flourish, and pushing us beyond our boundaries. She provided a sanctuary for those of us who felt lost or didn’t feel like we belonged. I was a very reserved, humble kid, but she helped me find myself. I revisited my high school shortly after my audition aired, spoke to the students, and greeted Mrs. Elliott to express my gratitude. She’s retiring soon, and there’s a celebration planned, but I’m in [Hollywood] and can’t attend. I’ll be there in spirit.”
8. Colin Stough
- Born: July 28, 2004 – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Favourite Graduates: Dexter Roberts, Caleb Johnson, Laine Hardy, Cade Foehner, Trent Harmon, Willie Spence
- Musical Inspirations: Waylon Jennings; Hank Williams; Hank Williams, Jr.; Lynyrd Skynyrd; Stevie Ray Vaughan; Jimi Hendrix
- First Idol Encounter: “A guy we know from Fayette, Alabama, was on the show some years back named Dexter Roberts. So that’s when we all started tuning into the show. We just watched it and watched it and watched it.”
9. I am Tongi
- Born: Sept. 1, 2004 – Kahuku, Oahu, Hawaii
- Favourite Graduates: Clay Aiken, David Archuleta, Arthur Gunn
- Musical Inspirations: Dr. Hook, Boyz II Men, Babyface, the Manhattans, Fiji, Kolohe Kai
- Initial Idol Encounter: “My dad used to watch it all the time. He would say, ‘It’s on,’ and we would all rush to the TV and start watching as a family.”
10. Tyson Venegas
- Born: August 31, 2005 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Favourite Graduates: Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Laine Hardy
- Musical Inspirations: Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, the Beatles, Sarah McLachlan, Adele, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5
- Initial Idol Encounter: Viewing with his family at the age of five.
Conclusion
The top 10 American Idol of 2023 epitomizes a rich tapestry of talent and aspiration, each with a unique journey and musical influence. From Wé Ani’s unwavering determination to Haven Madison’s inspiring originality, these artists captivate audiences with their passion and authenticity. As they navigate their paths on American Idol, they carry with them the legacy of past winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, shaping the future of the music industry. Through their performances and personal anecdotes, they embody the transformative power of music and the enduring spirit of the American Idol franchise, leaving an indelible mark on fans and aspiring artists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the top 10 American idol in 2023?
A: The top 10 American idol of 2023 included Wé Ani, Marybeth Byrd, Megan Danielle, Haven Madison, Warren Peay, Zachariah Smith, Oliver Steele, Colin Stough, Iam Tongi, and Tyson Venegas.
Q: What were the musical influences of the top 10 American idol in 2023?
A: The musical influences varied among the top 10 American idol of 2023, ranging from Beyoncé and Michael Jackson to Adele and Carrie Underwood.
Q: Which American Idol alumni were mentioned as favourites by the top 10 contenders of 2023?
A: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Laine Hardy were among the favourite American Idol alumni mentioned by the top 10 contenders of 2023.
Q: What was the age range of the top 10 American idol in 2023?
A: The top 10 American idol of 2023 spanned ages from 17 to 25, representing a diverse range of age groups and experiences.
Q: Where were the top 10 American idol of 2023 born?
A: The top 10 American idolof 2023 were born in various locations across the United States, including Harlem, New York City, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Cobb County, Georgia, and Clarksville, Tennessee, among others.
Q: What was the significance of the American Idol franchise according to the executive producer?
A: According to the executive producer, American Idol has become akin to a dream for aspiring singers, transcending being just a TV show to become a cultural phenomenon and a platform for transforming lives.
Q: How did the top 10 American idolof 2023 describe their earliest experiences with music?
A: The top 10 American idol of 2023 described various early experiences with music, ranging from listening to movie soundtracks to watching American Idol with their families.
Q: What were the favorite musical genres of the top 10 American idol in 2023?
A: The top 10 American idolof 2023 had diverse musical tastes, with influences spanning pop, country, R&B, soul, rock, and more.
Q: How did the top 10 American idolof 2023 reflect on their journey on American Idol?
A: The top 10 American idolof 2023 reflected on their journey with gratitude and determination, expressing appreciation for the opportunity and the connections forged with fellow contestants.
Q: What was the reaction of the top 10 American idol of 2023 upon being announced as finalists?
A: The top 10 American idol of 2023 expressed excitement and determination upon being announced as finalists, recognizing the opportunity to showcase their talent and pursue their dreams on the American Idol stage.
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