The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here! After weeks of unforgettable performances, emotional highs, and fan-favorite moments, American Idol Season 23 is down to its final three: John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix. One of them is about to become the next American Idol—and it all goes down Sunday, May 18 at 8 PM ET on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
Meet the Finalists: What Makes Each One Shine
Breanna Nix – The Heartfelt Songbird
Breanna has moved viewers with every performance, bringing powerful vocals and raw emotion to the stage. A stay-at-home mom with a background in gospel music, she’s bravely shared her journey with self-confidence, connecting deeply with fans.
Although she may not lead in online engagement, Breanna has delivered standout moments like “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” which earned over 150K views each. Her future in Contemporary Christian Music looks bright, no matter the finale outcome.
Jamal Roberts – The Born Entertainer
Jamal, a P.E. teacher from Mississippi, has proven he’s more than just a voice—he’s a full-on performer. From soulful ballads to high-energy showstoppers, he’s kept both judges and fans on their toes.
With performances like “Beauty and the Beast” (1.1M views) and “A Change is Gonna Come” (1.3M), Jamal has racked up a loyal following. Lionel Richie called him one of the season’s most versatile voices, and Luke Bryan hinted he could go all the way.
John Foster – The Country Favorite
At just 18, John Foster has become the frontrunner with his smooth tone, charming personality, and classic country style. While he doesn’t have the widest range, his song choices and delivery consistently resonate with the Idol fanbase.
His version of “Believe” pulled in a whopping 2.2 million views—more than any other contestant this season. With past country winners like Laine Hardy and Noah Thompson paving the way, John could very well be next in line.
The Fan Forecast: Who Will Win vs. Who Should Win?
Who Fans Think Will Win:
John Foster – 53.64%
Jamal Roberts – 34.38%
Breanna Nix – 11.98%
Who Fans Want to Win:
Jamal Roberts – 44.96%
John Foster – 39.71%
Breanna Nix – 15.32%
The numbers suggest a close battle between John and Jamal—one driven by heart, the other by hype. Breanna trails in both polls but has certainly made a lasting impression.
Social Media Buzz: A Glimpse at the Momentum
Over the past two weeks, Facebook performance views tell a compelling story:
John Foster – Over 4.2 million views
Jamal Roberts – Around 2.8 million views
Breanna Nix – Just under 800K views
While John leads in the numbers game, Jamal’s recent single “Heal” has sparked an emotional reaction from fans and could give him a powerful last-minute push.
What to Expect on Finale Night
The grand finale isn’t just about crowning a winner—it’s also a full-blown celebration of music! The three-hour event will feature performances from music icons and special guests, including:
Patti LaBelle
Goo Goo Dolls
Good Charlotte
Josh Groban
Jessica Simpson
Salt-N-Pepa
Kirk Franklin
Brandon Lake
The War and Treaty
PJ Morton
Jennifer Holliday
Jelly Roll (Artist in Residence)
Plus, the judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—will take the stage too. Look out for epic duets like:
Gabby Samone with Jennifer Holliday
Thunderstorm Artis with The War and Treaty
Kolbi Jordan with Patti LaBelle
Final Prediction
While anything can happen live, the momentum points toward John Foster as the likely winner of American Idol 2025. His country charm and massive digital reach make him a fan favorite. Still, Jamal Roberts has the kind of emotional depth and star power that could spark an upset.
Don’t Miss It!
American Idol 2025 Finale
Sunday, May 18
8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
Live on ABC and streaming next day on Hulu
It’s been a season full of talent, growth, and unforgettable moments—now it’s time to crown the next American Idol.
