Josh King nods his head in the direction of Mattie Pruitt as the judges’ contemplate a save Monday night on American Idol (ABC Photo)
Monday’s episode of American Idol was drawing to a close, with Mattie Pruitt and Josh King standing center stage with Ryan Seacrest.
One would be saved by the judges and advance to the Top 7. The other would be going home.
Carrie Underwood wanted no parts of the decision. She scooted her chair backward, letting fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie talk it over.
On stage, with Mattie appearing near tears, Josh kept nodding his head in her direction.
At one point, he even pointed her way, as though encouraging the judges to pick her.
They did. Mattie Pruitt is part of the Idol Top 7. Josh King’s Idol journey is over.
Fans noticed what he did. Boy, did they notice.
Among the comments on Idol’s Instagram page:
* “You had a great performance, but my heart exploded when you kept motioning for the judges to pick Maddy! That was so selfless! You have a bright future ahead of you, Josh!”
* “Seriously THE sweetest and kind heart. You made me cry as you gestured the judges vote for Mattie. Best of luck Josh, reach for the stars!!”
* “That was so nice of you to motion to Mattie last night and urge the judges to pick her, even though it meant you would be going home instead. You’re a class act, Josh, and your talent will get you places. Keep up the great work and I look forward to listening to your music in the future.”
And this …
* “I’m not going to lie, you were not one of my favorites. I thought you were a great vocalist and musician, but bringing out the harmonica for almost every performance got old fast. That being said, your performance from Miranda’s mentorship and last night, was some of your best performances, and seeing how you were willing to be selfless and let Maddie, have it and root for her. I’m so incredibly proud of you, and you won me over as not only a fan, but as a human being. Class act. Keep improving, bigger and brighter days, ahead!”
Josh took to Instagram himself Tuesday with a farewell post. In an earlier episode, he’d talk about feeling lonely growing up.
On Tuesday, he wrote: “This show saved me.”
“I’ll never forget this challenging, chaotic, yet fun experience. Everyone all the way back to Hollywood Week down to Top 7 deserved to be there,” he wrote.
“I’m proud of everyone, and I’m honored that they’re my friends. This show saved me, and I hope y’all understand just how much it means to me to be a part of it.”
He goes on to praise the professionalism and support of Idol’s cast and crew. You can read the entire post here.
“Thanks for showing me that even if I don’t believe in myself, that y’all believe in me,” he added.
In truth, after a shaky performance in Hollywood, Josh grew as a musician on the show.
The 24-year-old from Charlotte, N.C., delivered his best performance singing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” on Sunday’s show. He delivered what was without doubt one of his best vocals Monday night, performing Michael Buble’s “Home.”
Josh had already been saved by the judges once, when Idol went from a Top 20 to a Top 14.
In fact, he became the first saved contestant in three years to escape elimination in the next two shows.
Idol fans likely haven’t seen the last of him either. The season finale usually includes performances by everyone in at least the Top 10. And that would include Josh.
See also
Ranking the Top 7 on American Idol
Meet Josh King of American Idol Season 23
Josh on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube
Mattie Pruitt hugs Josh King after being saved by the judges Monday night on American Idol (ABC Photo)
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May 22, 2025 -
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