With deep Southern soul in his voice and pride in his heart, American Idol finalist John Foster delivered one of the most moving performances of Season 23 — a heartfelt tribute to his two military veteran grandfathers.

Taking the stage during the live finale, the 18-year-old Louisiana native performed Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” and it was clear from the first note that this wasn’t just a performance — it was personal. With his grandfathers watching from the audience, Foster sang with conviction, honoring both his family and the countless veterans across the country.

The crowd was on their feet before the song was even over. Judge Carrie Underwood looked like a proud mom, glowing with admiration. All three judges gave Foster a standing ovation and praised his emotional delivery and confident stage presence.

Foster, who beat out more than 120,000 hopefuls to make it to the top three, stood beside fellow finalists Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts during the May 18 finale. With just minutes to impress the nation one last time, he chose a song that reflected both his patriotic spirit and personal story.

Mentored by Jelly Roll, Foster shared in rehearsals how overwhelmed he’s been by the support from fans across the country. But it was that finale moment — guitar in hand, grandfathers proudly watching — that truly showed the heart behind the artist.

Lionel Richie praised Foster for picking the “perfect song,” even joking that he could have a future in politics. Luke Bryan commended his growth, saying he’s watched him become a fully formed artist right before their eyes. And Carrie Underwood told him, “You gave us everything tonight — your voice, your pride, your story. I’m so proud of you.”

What made Foster’s performance shine wasn’t just his strong vocals, but the emotion behind every lyric. His tribute turned a country anthem into something deeply personal — a thank-you to his family, his roots, and to everyone who’s served.

As he wrapped up the performance, Foster looked into the crowd and said with sincerity, “If America thinks this little ol’ boy from Louisiana has what it takes, it would be the honor of a lifetime to be your next American Idol.”

Win or lose, Foster’s performance struck a chord — and proved that sometimes the most powerful moments come from singing straight from the heart.

Jamal Roberts delivered one of his most powerful performances yet with “First Time” by Teeks — and it wasn’t just the vocals that struck a chord. The song, personally chosen by mentor Jelly Roll, was a meaningful throwback to the viral TikTok moment that first put Jamal on everyone’s radar. Dressed in a sharp white suit and beaming with calm confidence, Jamal made his way through the crowd, his rich, soulful voice creating an instant connection with fans.

The judges didn’t hesitate to leap to their feet. Lionel Richie looked genuinely emotional as he praised Jamal for “stepping fully into your groove” and “owning the moment.” Carrie Underwood lit up, telling him, “You’ve got it all — a voice that stirs the soul, a heart full of light, and stage presence that keeps leveling up.” Luke Bryan gave a big thumbs up to Jamal’s storytelling, calling it “next-level — truly world-class.”

Backstage, Jelly Roll was overcome with emotion. He told Ryan Seacrest the performance felt like everything coming full circle. “Watching Jamal sing that song live hit me hard,” he said. “People are finally seeing what I saw from day one — he’s not just a singer; he’s a force with a story that matters.”

With voting still open and the third-place reveal looming, Jamal’s supporters were fired up and ready to keep him in the race. And as the first half of the finale wrapped up, the energy in the studio was electric — with Jamal Roberts right at the heart of it.

John Foster brought pure magic to the American Idol Season 23 finale with his heartfelt take on John Denver’s classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The moment was unforgettable — earning a roaring standing ovation from all three judges and a sea of cheers from the live audience.

The 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, poured his heart into the performance, turning the beloved tune into a feel-good, emotional high point of the night. “Vote, vote, vote!” he grinned after the song, as the crowd shouted back with just as much energy.

Foster’s journey to the finale has been anything but ordinary. Rooted deeply in love for his hometown and shaped by personal loss, his story has touched fans across the country. During his recent visit home, he stopped by his old high school and spent time with the mother of his late friend Maggie Dunn — a meaningful moment that inspired his original ballad “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” He wrote it that very same day and performed it under the stars at a local concert, where fans raised lighters in Maggie’s memory.

Back on the Idol stage, Foster kept the emotional momentum going. His performance of “Country Roads” felt like a homecoming in itself. Lionel Richie praised his poise, saying, “It’s hard to believe he’s only 18.” Carrie Underwood beamed, calling him “the country boy through and through,” and Luke Bryan called the performance “wonderfully done” — even teasing him about the giant crawfish float he rode during his hometown parade.

The finale featured Foster alongside finalists Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts, all giving it their all in a last bid for America’s vote. With just three hours to impress millions of viewers, every note counted — and Foster’s soared.

Host Ryan Seacrest kept the suspense high, announcing the third-place spot midway through the show, while fans across the country tuned in to every moment.

Foster’s performance reminded everyone why he’s been a fan favorite all season. He’s got the voice, the heart, and the story — and he’s never forgotten where he came from. Whether or not he takes home the Idol crown, there’s no doubt: John Foster is already a star.

The 60th ACM Awards were full of unforgettable moments, but none sparked more buzz than Blake Shelton’s surprise reunion on stage with his ex-wife. The two stunned the crowd — and the internet — when they joined forces for a heartfelt performance of their classic hit, “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma.”

It had been over a decade since the former couple shared a stage, but the chemistry was still there. From the moment they started singing, you could feel the room shift. Their harmonies were flawless, their timing natural, and the few exchanged glances didn’t go unnoticed by fans or fellow artists.

Jelly Roll, clearly caught up in the nostalgia, stood mid-performance, clapping and mouthing every word like a fan at a hometown show. But while some were cheering, not everyone was smiling.

Cameras caught glimpses of Gwen Stefani — Blake’s current wife — sitting in the audience with a composed but unreadable expression. She didn’t speak, but her serious face and still posture were enough to light up social media with speculation. Comments poured in describing her as looking “tense” or “uncomfortable,” while others defended her, noting that the moment was probably awkward no matter how supportive she is.

Behind the scenes, insiders say the duet was kept tightly under wraps. Only a select few knew it was happening until just before the curtain lifted. “It was a bold move,” one show producer shared. “It paid off, but it definitely stirred some emotions.”

Was it a simple nod to country music history or a performance loaded with personal meaning? No one’s saying for sure. But in true country fashion, the moment mixed heartache, history, and raw emotion — the stuff great songs (and headlines) are made of.

Whatever the backstory, the performance may have only lasted a few minutes, but the aftershocks are still being felt — onstage, backstage, and likely at home, too.

Long before he became a finalist on American Idol, John Foster had his first public performance at a small, homegrown spot known as Morley Marina, nestled in the heart of what locals call Back Brusly.

Not from around there? In Brusly, Louisiana, everything west of Highway 1 is lovingly referred to as “Back Brusly.” Cross the highway, and you’re officially in Front Brusly—a local distinction that residents wear like a badge of honor.

Jeremy Prejean, manager of Morley Marina and a longtime family friend, remembers that first performance like it was yesterday. He’s watched John grow up, right next door. And if you ask Jeremy, the real MVP behind John’s musical spark was his uncle, Gaylen Martin.

He’s not the only one who thinks so. Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet, both longtime workers at John’s family business—Benoit’s Country Meat Block in Addis—say Martin played a huge role in helping John find his footing as a performer. Even John’s grandmother, Verbie Benoit, agrees.

Though Martin doesn’t seek the spotlight or the credit, he admits he saw something special in John early on.

“I’d show him a few chords on the guitar, give him something to practice, and the next day, he had it down,” Martin said. “He just picked it up so fast.”

Martin didn’t hesitate to take time off work to travel with John to his American Idol audition in Nashville—and then again to Hawaii. Now, he’s headed to Hollywood for a second time, supporting his nephew every step of the way.

Despite not being related by blood—Martin married John’s aunt—there’s no doubt about the deep bond they share. And when John returned home to perform in his Idol hometown concert, Martin stood proudly by his side on stage, guitar in hand, playing for the biggest crowd of his life.

“That was the largest audience I’ve ever played for,” Martin said with a smile.

Seeing him up there struck a chord with many in the tight-knit West Bank community. People like Aimee Rabalais, secretary at Brusly High School, felt proud just watching him.

“I was so happy Gaylen got to be up there with John,” she said. “I just know his heart was overflowing.”

That shared moment almost didn’t happen. Martin had taken a break from music after the sudden loss of his brother and longtime bandmate. It was John who helped bring music back into his life.

“John Foster brought me back,” Martin said. “I’ll always be grateful.”

Gratitude is something the Addis and Brusly communities know a lot about—especially after the heartbreak they’ve endured. From the tragic 2011 loss of beloved Brusly High teacher Sylviane Lozada, to the deaths of three high school students in under a year, including Maggie Dunn, who was one of John’s close friends.

@qtmandyyy

This is the best Valedictorian speech I have ever heard. Yes, it is my son, but this just shows you just what kind of old soul and great person he actually is. His music isnt his only gift from God but his intelligence is as well! I cant wait to see exactly where God leads you. I know you are going to do great things! #johnfostermusic #Classof2024 #valedictorianspeech #godsgift #maggiewashere #ourangelmaggiewillalwaysbewithus #BHS #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypage #fypシ゚viral

♬ original sound – Amanda

John even wrote a song for Maggie, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he performed on American Idol earlier this season. The two went to homecoming together. He honored her in his valedictorian speech, a moment that went viral on social media—well before anyone knew his name across the country.

Brusly High principal Walt Lemoine remembers that speech vividly.

“Reading it on paper, it seemed like any other valedictorian speech,” he said. “But the way he delivered it—man, that kid just has it. He’s always had it.”

This past week in Brusly has felt like a whirlwind of pride and emotion. The school’s track team won state. The softball team made it to the finals. The community packed into downtown for John’s pep rally and concert. And by Saturday, they were in Sulphur, cheering on the high school baseball team in the state championship.

Even though the baseball team fell short in the end, losing 7-3 to North DeSoto, the spirit of the town hasn’t dimmed. They’ve weathered harder storms—and they always lift each other up.

John Foster isn’t just singing for a title. He’s singing for his people—for every loss, every celebration, every hug on a front porch, every small-town cheer from both sides of the Mississippi River.

And if you listen closely on Sunday night, you just might hear all of Back Brusly and Front Brusly singing right along with him.

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:

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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.

With the American Idol Season 23 finale just hours away, finalist Jamal Roberts is giving fans something powerful to hold on to—his brand-new single, “Heal.”

Released late on May 17 through 19 Recordings, “Heal” marks the 27-year-old soul singer’s first official single since his journey on Idol began. But despite the late-night drop, fans were wide awake, rushing to stream, download, and share their reactions on social media—many calling it “the song the nation needs right now.”

Roberts first stunned audiences with his emotional performance of “Heal,” originally by Tom Odell, during the April 28 live show. The stripped-down, heartfelt cover left the judges—Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie—momentarily speechless. Now, he’s set to perform it again during the May 18 finale, and fans are already calling it a showstopper.

His new version takes things even deeper. Backed by a gospel choir, Roberts doesn’t just sing—he pours out a message of pain, hope, and healing. In the final minute of the track, he adds his own powerful lyrics:

“Lord, you’re the only one that can do it for me. We need you, we need you to heal… from depression, from suicidal thoughts, from sickness. Restoration right now.”

The song’s release sparked an outpouring of love online. One fan wrote, “The ending… CHURCH!!! You’re so special, Jamal! #RestorationRightNow.” Another called the track “Legendary,” while a third said, “This is the sound we all needed.”

Even Joe Arbagey, Executive VP of Music at 19 Recordings, commented on Instagram, calling the experience of working on the song “incredibly life changing.”

When Roberts first performed “Heal” on Idol, his stage presence was magnetic. Sitting alone on a stool, his delivery was so intense that the room fell completely silent—even producers seemed caught off guard when the performance ended. There were a few seconds of stunned quiet before the show moved on.

His moving take on the song was shaped with the help of his mentor that week, Idol alum and Grammy-winner Fantasia Barrino. Roberts admitted he had never heard of the song before it was shared with him—but when he read the lyrics, it immediately resonated.

“Like your songs, it spoke to me,” he told Fantasia. “I don’t care what genre the song is—I just need to insert myself into it.”

Fantasia, clearly touched by his emotional depth, told producers, “I watched him. He loses himself in the music. When the world is probably so ugly and hard, music is his safe place.”

Now, with “Heal” officially out in the world and one final Idol performance ahead, Jamal Roberts is showing that music isn’t just his safe place—it’s a space where others can find comfort too.

“Heal” is available now on all streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.

One of the most emotional and powerful moments of American Idol 2025 unfolded when Jelly Roll, this season’s first-ever Artist in Residence, helped turn the Idol stage into something deeper—a place of healing and raw truth.

At the center of it all was 18-year-old John Foster from Addis, Louisiana. All season long, Foster has captured hearts with his sincerity and emotional storytelling, but his recent performance may have been his most moving yet.

He sang an original song called “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his close friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically passed away in a 2022 car accident. The performance alone had the audience holding their breath. But what came next made the moment truly unforgettable.

As the final notes faded, Jelly Roll joined Foster on stage and pulled out a handwritten letter. With tears in his eyes and emotion in his voice, he read the note aloud. He praised Foster not just for his talent, but for his bravery and honesty, telling him: “In a world where authenticity is rare, you stand out as a beacon of truth.” The studio fell into a hush. It wasn’t just applause—it was a shared emotional experience.

Even the judges couldn’t hold back their emotions. Carrie Underwood, clearly moved, called Foster “the heart of country music,” and added, “He’s bringing country back.” She praised his ability to tell stories that feel personal yet universal, reminding fans of the roots of country music—simple, heartfelt, and real.

Jelly Roll’s role this season has been more than just mentor. He’s shown these young artists how to turn pain into purpose and music into healing. His connection with Foster, grounded in mutual grief and deep respect for the craft, has become one of the show’s most beautiful storylines.

This wasn’t just another performance. It was a reminder of what American Idol can be: a stage where real stories matter, where music can comfort and connect, and where artists like John Foster shine for simply being true to themselves.

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On October 25, 2017, country fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena witnessed a moment they’ll never forget — Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert taking the stage together for an emotional performance of “These Days I Barely Get By.”

The duet wasn’t just musically stunning — it was deeply moving. The lyrics, full of heartache and reflection, hit especially hard given the duo’s shared history. Blake and Miranda, once country music’s golden couple, were married from 2011 until their split in 2015. And while both have since moved on — Blake with Gwen Stefani and Miranda with Brendan McLoughlin — their voices still carry the echoes of the past when they sing songs like this one.

As the two sang with raw emotion, the crowd was silent — captivated by the bittersweet magic unfolding onstage. Every lyric felt personal, every note tinged with the kind of honesty only time and experience can bring. Fans described it as a moment of musical closure, connection, and undeniable talent.

For those lucky enough to be there, it was more than just a duet — it was a powerful reminder of how music can touch hearts, stir memories, and bring even the most complicated stories full circle.

American Idol finalist John Foster has never shied away from wearing his heart on his sleeve—and during a recent live episode, that heart broke wide open.

In a deeply emotional moment that left both the audience and judges misty-eyed, John took a quiet pause from the spotlight to share personal news: his beloved mother is facing a serious heart condition. “My mom has always been my rock,” he said, his voice trembling. “She’s going through some tough health stuff right now, and I just want her to know—I’m singing every note for her.”

That honest confession changed everything. Suddenly, every lyric John sang hit harder, felt deeper. His performances, already full of soul, now carried the weight of real-life love and loss—and fans felt it.

Fans Show Up With Prayers and Love
It didn’t take long for fans across the country to start pouring out support. Social media lit up with messages of hope, prayer chains, and heartfelt stories. One fan wrote, “I’ve never cried during Idol before. John’s love for his mom is beautiful. We’re all behind you, John.”

Even fellow contestants and judges stood by him. Lionel Richie told him on-air, “You’ve got a heart that moves people, John. That’s rare—and we’re with you, every step of the way.”

Music With a Deeper Meaning
Since the news, John’s songs have felt different. There’s more than just melody—there’s memory, meaning, and a mission to carry on for someone he loves deeply. Backstage, he opened up: “Singing is how I cope. It’s how I show her I’m here, I’m strong, and I’m doing this for her.”

Despite everything, John hasn’t missed a beat. He’s rehearsing, showing up, and pouring every ounce of himself into each performance. “My mom would want me to keep going,” he said. “She’s always been my biggest cheerleader.”

A Story That’s Touching Hearts Everywhere
John Foster’s journey on American Idol is now about more than just music. It’s about the love between a mother and her son. It’s about resilience, vulnerability, and pushing forward through heartbreak.

As fans wait for his next performance, one thing is clear: John isn’t just a voice to root for—he’s a soul to believe in.