The stage of American Idol has long been a place where dreams are made, talents are showcased, and unexpected moments steal the spotlight. On April 13, 2025, during the Top 24 performances at Disney’s Aulani Resort, contestant Victor Solomon delivered one such moment that left audiences buzzing. The 26-year-old fast-food director from Peoria, Illinois, not only wowed the judges with a surprising country cover of Luke Bryan’s hit “That’s My Kind of Night,” but also turned the tables by teaching the country superstar some new dance moves. The impromptu lesson, prompted by host Ryan Seacrest, became a viral sensation, highlighting Solomon’s versatility and charm while offering a rare glimpse into Bryan’s playful side.

Victor Solomon: From The Voice to American Idol

Victor Solomon is no stranger to the reality TV spotlight. Four years prior, in 2021, he made it to the Season 20 finale of The Voice, placing fifth under the mentorship of John Legend. Solomon, then 22, caught the attention of three coaches with his bold audition performance of Legend’s “Glory,” a risky move that paid off when Legend turned his chair—something he had never done for a contestant singing his own song. “I’ve literally zero times turned for someone singing my song,” Legend told Solomon at the time, a moment that marked the beginning of his journey on the show.

Now, at 26, Solomon is back in the competition arena, this time on American Idol 2025. His audition, which aired on March 16, once again showcased his knack for taking risks. Solomon performed a soulful rendition of Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” earning high praise from the judges—Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood. Richie, visibly moved, smiled and shook his head during the performance, later declaring that he could see Solomon making it to the Top 20. “That was special,” Richie told his fellow judges as Solomon walked away with his golden ticket. Bryan encouraged Solomon to “sing all these genres” and have fun with his talent, while Underwood called his voice “an incredible gift”.

Solomon’s journey from The Voice to American Idol hasn’t been without its challenges. In a recent interview with Deseret News, he reflected on the difficulty of maintaining momentum after a reality show. “You go from millions of viewers every week and then all of a sudden… it’s nowhere near close to 6 million viewers every week,” he said, acknowledging that he let his post-Voice momentum “die down” due to the pressures of balancing his music career with everyday life. Now, with a bit more wisdom and experience, Solomon is determined to make the most of his Idol opportunity, and his performance on April 13 proved he’s a force to be reckoned with.

A Country Cover That Stole the Show

On the night of April 13, Solomon took the American Idol stage at Aulani Resort, where half of the Top 24 performed for the audience’s vote under the guidance of mentors Jelly Roll and Ashanti. The episode marked a pivotal moment in the competition, as contestants were no longer guaranteed advancement based on judges’ decisions alone. Solomon, known for his soulful style, made an unexpected choice: a cover of Luke Bryan’s 2013 country anthem “That’s My Kind of Night” from the album Crash My Party.

Dressed in a cowboy hat, suspenders (which came loose during his energetic performance), and tight jeans, Solomon transformed the stage into a honky-tonk party. His hip-swinging, foot-tapping moves had the judges—Bryan, Richie, and Underwood—on their feet early in the performance. Solomon’s voice control was impeccable, never missing a note despite his dynamic stage presence. “I gotta retire the song, Lionel,” Bryan quipped after the performance, clearly impressed by Solomon’s rendition. “That’s what this show’s about: surprise. I could’ve guessed someone doing my song, 24 people doing it, and I wouldn’t have guessed you. But that’s what made it special”.

Richie called the performance “amazing,” while Underwood, a first-time judge who won Idol in 2005, praised Solomon’s versatility, noting that he fits “every genre of music”. The performance was a risk that paid off, showcasing Solomon’s ability to step outside his comfort zone and embrace the spirit of country music—a genre that Bryan, a five-time “Entertainer of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association, has helped define.

The Dance Lesson Heard ‘Round the World

What happened next elevated the moment from memorable to iconic. Host Ryan Seacrest, ever the instigator of Idol fun, pointed out that Bryan is gearing up for his summer “Country Song Came On Tour” and could use some new moves. “Victor, why don’t you teach Luke a thing or two?” Seacrest suggested, prompting cheers from the crowd and laughter from Jelly Roll, the show’s first-ever artist in residence. Solomon, still buzzing from his performance, welcomed Bryan to the stage, and the two shared a lighthearted dance lesson that had the audience roaring with delight.

Bryan, known for his playful spontaneity on Idol, leaned into the moment. “You can truly out-dance me,” he admitted to Solomon, a rare concession from the country star who has performed at high-profile events like the Super Bowl LI National Anthem in 2017 and the 2015 Thanksgiving NFL halftime show. Solomon taught Bryan some of his signature hip-swinging moves, with the country star gamely following along, even as his own attempts drew laughter from the crowd. The moment was a testament to Bryan’s willingness to let loose and Solomon’s infectious charisma, bridging the gap between contestant and judge in a way that felt genuine and unscripted.

Fan reactions on social media were immediate and enthusiastic. On X, one user wrote, “Victor Solomon teaching Luke Bryan how to dance after that country cover is the best thing I’ve seen on Idol this season! Pure gold.” Another commented, “Luke Bryan getting dance lessons from Victor is the energy we need in 2025. Love seeing these two have fun!” The clip of their interaction quickly spread, amassing thousands of views and cementing its place as a standout moment in Idol’s 23rd season.

A Critical Perspective: The Power of Cross-Genre Moments

Solomon’s performance and the subsequent dance lesson highlight a broader trend in reality singing competitions: the power of cross-genre experimentation. American Idol has a history of encouraging contestants to step outside their musical comfort zones, often leading to breakout moments that define their journey. Solomon’s decision to tackle a country hit, despite his background in soul and R&B, reflects the kind of versatility that judges like Bryan, Richie, and Underwood value. “Sing all these genres,” Bryan had advised Solomon during his audition, a piece of advice that clearly resonated.

However, this moment also raises questions about the expectations placed on contestants in such competitions. Solomon’s ability to adapt to country music was celebrated, but not every contestant has the same flexibility, and the pressure to perform across genres can sometimes lead to unfair comparisons. As USA Today noted in its recap of the episode, while Solomon “massively upstaged Bryan” with his performance, other contestants struggled to meet the judges’ expectations, with some pairings in the prior Hollywood Week round seeing neither singer advance to the Top 24. The emphasis on versatility, while exciting for viewers, can overshadow the unique strengths of contestants who excel in a single genre.

Moreover, the lighthearted dance lesson, while entertaining, underscores the unequal power dynamic between judges and contestants. Bryan, a seasoned superstar with over 75 million records sold, can afford to be playful without risking his career. For Solomon, however, every moment on Idol is a high-stakes opportunity to prove himself to a national audience. The dance lesson, though fun, placed Solomon in a position where he had to entertain beyond his singing—a reminder that reality TV often demands more than just talent from its participants.

The Bigger Picture: Solomon’s Journey and Bryan’s Legacy

For Victor Solomon, this moment on American Idol is a stepping stone in a career that has already seen significant highs. His Top 24 placement, combined with the viral attention from his performance and dance lesson with Bryan, positions him as a frontrunner in the competition. Solomon’s reflections on his post-Voice struggles reveal a maturity that sets him apart from many contestants. “That’s the work that comes with it, you know, keeping your name alive, keeping your presence alive, and keeping your music alive,” he told Deseret News, acknowledging the grind of the music industry. This wisdom, paired with his undeniable talent, makes him a compelling figure to watch as Idol progresses.

For Luke Bryan, the moment adds another layer to his legacy as a judge on American Idol. Since joining the show in 2018 alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, Bryan has been a fan favorite for his down-to-earth demeanor and genuine investment in contestants. His willingness to join Solomon on stage for a dance lesson mirrors other spontaneous moments in his Idol tenure, like when he sang “Rose Colored Glasses” with contestant Kennedy Reid in 2024 or did a happy dance for Colin Stough’s country audition in 2023. These interactions showcase Bryan’s ability to connect with contestants on a human level, a quality that has helped him remain a staple on the show even as the judging panel evolved with Perry’s departure and Underwood’s arrival in 2025.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Surprises

As American Idol Season 23 continues, the memory of Victor Solomon teaching Luke Bryan how to dance will likely remain a highlight. It’s a moment that encapsulates the magic of the show—where talent, personality, and spontaneity collide to create something unforgettable. For Solomon, the performance and its aftermath could propel him further in the competition, proving that he’s more than just a singer—he’s a performer with the ability to captivate across genres and generations.

For fans, the episode is a reminder of why American Idol remains a cultural juggernaut after 23 seasons. With judges like Bryan, Richie, and Underwood, and contestants like Solomon who aren’t afraid to take risks, the show continues to deliver surprises that keep viewers coming back for more. As one fan on X put it, “Victor and Luke’s dance lesson is the kind of joy we need on TV. More of this, please!” In a world often filled with scripted drama, moments like these remind us of the power of authenticity and connection—on the Idol stage and beyond.