Lizzo's Triumphant SNL Return Overshadows Idol Alumni's Struggles

Mia Reynolds, 4/14/2025Lizzo's electrifying SNL return contrasts sharply with American Idol's struggle for success, showcasing the music industry's highs and lows. While Lizzo reinvents herself, former champion Caleb Johnson faces obscurity, highlighting the precarious nature of fame and the raw talent emerging from Hawaii.

Lizzo, ever the revolutionary, stormed Studio 8H with the kind of confidence that's become her trademark. There she was, electric guitar in hand — a calculated preview of her upcoming portrayal of Sister Rosetta Tharpe — delivering a medley that proved why she's remained unshakeable despite last year's legal storms. The unreleased "Don't Make Me Love You" caught everyone off guard, though. Who'd have thought we'd hear Lizzo channeling pure '80s power ballad energy? Yet somehow, it worked.

Meanwhile, American Idol's latest chapter unfolded at Disney's Aulani Resort. The Top 24 performed with that particular mix of desperation and hope that's become the show's signature. You couldn't help but wonder if any of them knew about Caleb Johnson's story — Season 13's winner who's become something of an industry cautionary tale.

Speaking of Johnson... His journey from Idol champion to relative obscurity reads like a Hollywood script nobody wanted to film. These days, he's touring with Celebrating Meat Loaf, which isn't terrible work if you can get it. But when you consider he shelled out $30,000 for an album he can't even stream anymore (thanks to some particularly nasty label politics), well... it certainly puts things in perspective.

Back in Hawaii, though, magic was happening. Breanna absolutely owned Lauren Daigle's "Still Rolling Stones." It wasn't just a performance — it was one of those rare moments when you forget you're watching a competition show. The kind of raw authenticity that makes you believe in the power of music all over again.

Then there was Jamal Roberts. His take on Jelly Roll's "Liar" didn't just move the audience — it reduced the original artist to tears during rehearsal. That's the thing about genuine talent: sometimes it blindsides you when you least expect it. Slater Nalley proved this point again with "Over the Rainbow." Sure, it's been done to death, but somehow this kid made it feel like we were all hearing it for the first time.

The weekend painted a peculiar picture of an industry that's simultaneously evolving and eating its young. Here's Lizzo, pushing boundaries and redefining her sound while maintaining her throne. And there's Johnson, who can't even access his own debut album. Somewhere in between, twenty-four dreamers in Hawaii are hoping they won't become another statistic.

Perhaps that's what makes music so endlessly fascinating. One moment you're watching a superstar reinvent herself on national television, the next you're witnessing raw talent take its first tentative steps toward fame. In an industry that's notoriously fickle, that's the only constant — change itself.

The music industry's perpetual dance between stardom and obscurity played out in stark relief this weekend, offering a fascinating glimpse into fame's delicate ecosystem. From SNL's storied stage to a Hawaiian resort's pristine shores, the contrast couldn't have been more striking.Lizzo, ever the revolutionary, stormed Studio 8H with the kind of confidence that's become her trademark. There she was, electric guitar in hand — a calculated preview of her upcoming portrayal of Sister Rosetta Tharpe — delivering a medley that proved why she's remained unshakeable despite last year's legal storms. The unreleased "Don't Make Me Love You" caught everyone off guard, though. Who'd have thought we'd hear Lizzo channeling pure '80s power ballad energy? Yet somehow, it worked.Meanwhile, American Idol's latest chapter unfolded at Disney's Aulani Resort. The Top 24 performed with that particular mix of desperation and hope that's become the show's signature. You couldn't help but wonder if any of them knew about Caleb Johnson's story — Season 13's winner who's become something of an industry cautionary tale.Speaking of Johnson... His journey from Idol champion to relative obscurity reads like a Hollywood script nobody wanted to film. These days, he's touring with Celebrating Meat Loaf, which isn't terrible work if you can get it. But when you consider he shelled out $30,000 for an album he can't even stream anymore (thanks to some particularly nasty label politics), well... it certainly puts things in perspective.Back in Hawaii, though, magic was happening. Breanna absolutely owned Lauren Daigle's "Still Rolling Stones." It wasn't just a performance — it was one of those rare moments when you forget you're watching a competition show. The kind of raw authenticity that makes you believe in the power of music all over again.Then there was Jamal Roberts. His take on Jelly Roll's "Liar" didn't just move the audience — it reduced the original artist to tears during rehearsal. That's the thing about genuine talent: sometimes it blindsides you when you least expect it. Slater Nalley proved this point again with "Over the Rainbow." Sure, it's been done to death, but somehow this kid made it feel like we were all hearing it for the first time.The weekend painted a peculiar picture of an industry that's simultaneously evolving and eating its young. Here's Lizzo, pushing boundaries and redefining her sound while maintaining her throne. And there's Johnson, who can't even access his own debut album. Somewhere in between, twenty-four dreamers in Hawaii are hoping they won't become another statistic.Perhaps that's what makes music so endlessly fascinating. One moment you're watching a superstar reinvent herself on national television, the next you're witnessing raw talent take its first tentative steps toward fame. In an industry that's notoriously fickle, that's the only constant — change itself.