This season of American Idol has been filled with unforgettable performances, and two contestants have really captured the hearts of viewers. John Foster and Jamal Roberts have proven that hard work, dedication, and raw talent can take you far, and with just weeks left in the competition, fans are split over who deserves the crown.

John Foster, an 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, has wowed audiences with his soulful country voice that belies his years. His deep, classic sound channels legends like George Strait and Randy Travis, and it’s clear he’s here to stay. Whether performing Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” or other heart-wrenching ballads, John’s ability to infuse every note with emotion has earned him a loyal following. His humble beginnings and “old soul” approach to country music have made him a fan favorite.

Then there’s Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old gym teacher from Meridian, Mississippi. Jamal’s journey is a testament to perseverance—he’s a devoted father of three who’s spent years putting family first, but never gave up on his dream to sing. His gospel and R&B performances have left fans in awe, and his powerful rendition of “I Believe” by Fantasia Barrino was a highlight of the season. Jamal’s blend of faith, emotion, and strength continues to resonate with viewers, especially now as he celebrates the arrival of a new baby.

Both John and Jamal have garnered passionate fanbases who praise their talent and heartfelt performances. John’s supporters, especially from his home state of Louisiana, have flooded his social media with love and support, with one fan even admitting to voting 30 times! Meanwhile, Jamal’s story of fatherhood and his gospel-infused vocals have also sparked deep emotional connections with fans, who can’t help but root for him.

As the competition narrows, the question of who will take home the crown is still up in the air. If fan support alone determined the winner, John Foster might have the edge—but Jamal’s powerful, faith-driven journey has captured hearts all across America. No matter who wins, one thing is certain: both of these incredible performers have already earned their place in music history, and the finale promises to be one for the books.

Jamal Roberts, the soulful star from Mississippi, continues to captivate audiences on American Idol Season 23 with his unforgettable performances. During a night filled with powerful vocals, Roberts’ rendition of “Baby Hold On to Me” stood out, leaving an emotional mark on both fans and judges. His rich, soulful voice shines through every note, making it clear that his talent goes far beyond the stage.

But it wasn’t just his incredible singing that made the night memorable. Jamal shared a deeply personal moment with viewers, revealing that he had just welcomed his third child earlier that day. Fueled by the emotions of this life-changing event, he went on to perform an equally moving rendition of “I Believe,” a song chosen for him by Lionel Richie during the annual “Judge’s Song Contest.”

“Your execution of that song—you had me crying. You had everyone in this room crying,” Lionel Richie said, clearly moved by the performance. Luke Bryan praised Roberts for his ability to combine heart, mind, and voice in such a powerful way, calling it a rare gift.

Jamal’s authenticity and emotional storytelling have won him more than just votes—they’ve earned him a loyal following that relates to his journey as a father, artist, and man of faith. With over a million votes in his favor, Jamal has made it to the Top 7, and his journey is far from over.

Be sure to catch him during the highly anticipated Double Disney Night on May 11 and 12, with the Season 23 finale set for May 18. If his past performances are any indication, Jamal isn’t just competing for a title—he’s building a legacy.

John Foster didn’t step onto the American Idol stage for show — he came with boots on, a throwback sound, and the kind of presence that feels straight out of a George Strait song. At just 18 years old, this Louisiana native is putting real-deal country back in the spotlight. Here are 10 behind-the-scenes facts about John that fans are just now discovering:

1. He’s From Small-Town Louisiana — And He Brought the Gumbo
John hails from Addis, Louisiana — the kind of place where neighbors wave and the food always has a kick. At his audition, he showed up with coolers of Cajun cooking for the judges. If that doesn’t scream Southern hospitality, what does?

2. He Was His High School’s Valedictorian
John wasn’t just strumming guitars in high school — he also topped his class at Brusly High in 2024. Smart, driven, and musically gifted? That’s a winning combo.

3. He’s Proudly Neo-Traditional
While some artists chase trends, John embraces tradition. He’s part of a new generation bringing back honest, old-school country — no overproduction, just stories and soul.

4. His Faith Is Part of His Foundation
John is open about how his Catholic faith shapes his music and message. It’s not an act — it’s just part of who he is and how he connects with others.

5. His Original Song Stopped Everyone in Their Tracks
During Idol’s Easter special, John performed “Tell That Angel That I Love Her,” a tribute to two friends he lost, including Maggie Dunn. The emotional performance left judges teary and the audience silent. It was one of the most heartfelt moments of the season.

6. He Still Carries a Letter from His Late Friend
After his Easter performance, it was revealed that John keeps a letter Maggie wrote to him before she passed. In it, she encouraged him to chase his dream. That letter’s been with him ever since.

7. He Had a Big Moment with Carrie Underwood
When John met Carrie Underwood, he didn’t just fanboy — he tipped his hat, thanked her for believing in him, and sang a Randy Travis song with the kind of sincerity that got everyone’s attention.

8. He’s the Real “Country Kid” in the Competition
While others might blend genres, John sticks to what he knows best — classic country. His covers of Brooks & Dunn and original songs feel like something straight from a dusty jukebox.

9. What You See Is What You Get
No flashy TikToks, no fancy edits — just John, a guitar, and raw talent. His social media is all about authenticity, and fans are loving the honesty.

10. He’s Proof That Country Music Still Has a Heart
John Foster isn’t just a contestant — he’s a reminder that country music still has room for heart, soul, and storytelling. He’s the kind of artist fans have been waiting for.

@officialjohnfoster

One of the best to ever do it – Mr. Keith Whitley. #classiccountryisthebestcountry #keithwhitley

♬ original sound – John Foster

Ella Langley had a night to remember at the 2025 ACM Awards, marking a huge milestone in her rising career. With a whopping eight nominations—more than any other artist this year—she’s clearly making waves in country music. Her smash collaboration with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” earned six nominations alone, alongside nods for Female Artist of the Year and New Female Artist of the Year.

Even before the show kicked off, Ella had already snagged three wins. But the biggest moment came during her live performance, when an unexpected message popped up on the jumbotron. It was none other than her friend and country superstar Miranda Lambert delivering the surprise of the night.

Miranda said warmly,

“I’m so proud of you for being the most-nominated artist at the ACMs this year. You’re my friend, my fellow dog rescue advocate, co-writer, and partner in crime. But I’ve got even bigger news—you’ve just won New Female Artist of the Year.”

Overcome with emotion, Ella tearfully thanked her fans in a heartfelt message:

“Every day I’ve prayed and worked for this. Everything I’ve ever done has been to get to this moment. I’m so grateful for my team and for fans who truly hear my heart in these songs. I’m just a real person going through life, and I’m honored that my music resonates with so many of you.”

A Performance to Remember

Ella lit up the ACM stage with a high-energy performance of her hit “Weren’t for the Wind.” Dressed in sleek black and wielding a tambourine, she commanded the stage with passion and grit. But the night’s biggest musical highlight came when she teamed up with Miranda Lambert for a fiery duet of “Kerosene.”

It was a full-circle moment—Miranda, who had just surprised her with the award, now stood beside her, sharing the stage for a powerhouse performance that left the crowd buzzing.

Ella Langley didn’t just win an award—she won hearts and cemented her place as one of country music’s brightest new stars.

When 18-year-old John Foster took the stage to sing Midland’s “Drinkin’ Problem” on American Idol, it wasn’t just another cover—it was a masterclass in storytelling through music. From the very first note, Foster added his own depth to the song, transforming it into a heartfelt journey that pulled the audience right in.

His voice, a perfect mix of smooth and soulful, added a layer of emotional weight to the lyrics. It wasn’t just about singing the song—it was about feeling every word, making the audience feel the pain and struggle behind the lyrics as if it were his own story.

The song, which explores using alcohol to cope with inner pain, perfectly matched Foster’s emotional maturity. He took his time with the verses, allowing the raw emotions to sink in instead of rushing to make a dramatic point. It was a performance that allowed each word to linger and connect deeply.

Even more remarkable was his ability to stay true to the classic country vibe while still making it feel fresh. His voice carried that twang, and the steel guitar set the perfect backdrop, making it feel like he was singing in a dimly lit Nashville bar. Yet his approach was anything but outdated—his youthful energy breathed new life into the song.

Foster didn’t just sing the song; he made it his own with subtle yet powerful facial expressions and body language. Every pause, glance, and gesture added to the authenticity of the performance, showing the audience that he wasn’t just performing a song; he was living it.

For country music fans, this rendition of “Drinkin’ Problem” was a perfect reminder of the genre’s roots—honest, emotional, and raw. John Foster’s performance proved that he’s not just a contestant on American Idol; he’s an artist with a bright future ahead.

In a world where country concerts often come with pyrotechnics and flashy stage moves, it was a simple, heartfelt moment that left the biggest mark.

During his performance of “Remember When,” Alan Jackson quietly stepped away from the mic as his steel guitarist played a soft instrumental. He walked slowly toward the side of the stage—where his wife of 45 years, Denise, was waiting. Just the night before, she’d celebrated her birthday. No fanfare, no spotlight—just the two of them, meeting in the middle like they’d done so many times in life.

There they stood, gently swaying in front of a crowd of thousands as if they were the only two people in the world. When the last note faded, Alan gave Denise a brief, tender kiss and returned to his place at the mic, never missing a beat.

The moment wasn’t scripted, but it became one of the most talked-about highlights of the ACM festival. A fan’s cellphone video quickly went viral, drawing over 600,000 views and countless heartfelt comments like:

“If that doesn’t make you tear up, nothing will.”

“That’s what country music is about—real love, real life.”

“This kind of romance is rare. So sweet to see.”

And that’s the thing—this wasn’t just a sweet onstage moment. It carried deeper meaning.

At 66, Alan Jackson has been open about his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological condition that affects his balance and mobility. As he enters the final chapter of his touring career, every performance feels more personal—more like a goodbye to the road that shaped so much of his life.

Bringing Denise out to dance with him wasn’t about the cameras. It was a reminder of everything they’ve been through together—from their early days in Newnan, Georgia, to raising a family, navigating fame, and weathering life’s highs and lows.

During his 2022 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award speech, Jackson spoke from the heart:

“I’m probably not always the easiest person to love, but she’s been there and helped me through hard times. And we’ve shared great times—the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad—we’ve survived a lot.”

That’s exactly what made this dance hit so deeply.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t polished. But it was real—just like the song. Just like their story.

In an age when stage effects often outshine sincerity, Alan and Denise reminded us what true country music is really about: life, love, and the little moments that mean the most.

They didn’t just give fans something to remember—they gave us something to feel.

@middlewester

#twostepinn #alanjackson #fyp #festival #twostepinnfestival

♬ original sound – payton

In a season packed with powerhouse singers and unforgettable moments, John Roberts quietly stole the spotlight with a performance that didn’t just impress — it moved people. On the latest episode of American Idol, Roberts stepped onto the stage and delivered his original song, “Just As She Was Leaving” — and in doing so, he may have delivered his defining moment of the season.

With just a guitar in hand and the weight of his story behind every word, Roberts poured his heart out through a song that felt more like a confessional than a competition entry. The lyrics told a story of love, loss, and those moments that linger long after someone walks away — and you could feel the honesty in every note.

Carrie Underwood was visibly emotional as she praised the performance: “John, that was absolutely beautiful. Your ability to open up and share your heart like that… it’s something special.” Both Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan echoed the sentiment, highlighting his songwriting skills, soulful delivery, and the quiet strength he brings to the stage.

The audience responded with a standing ovation, some clearly wiping away tears. And as the show wrapped, fans took to social media in a wave of support. Hashtags like #JohnRoberts and #JustAsSheWasLeaving were everywhere, with fans calling the performance one of the most powerful moments of the season.

Throughout the competition, Roberts has stayed true to himself — grounded, thoughtful, and emotionally tuned in. But this performance felt different. It wasn’t just good TV — it was the kind of moment that makes people stop, listen, and remember.

“Just As She Was Leaving” wasn’t just a song — it was a glimpse into John Roberts’ heart and a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable performances are the ones that come from a quiet place of truth.

Just a year ago, John Foster was standing in his high school gym giving his valedictorian speech. Now, he’s standing center stage as one of the Top 3 finalists on American Idol — and his hometown couldn’t be more excited.

The Brusly High School graduate is heading back to Louisiana this week for a well-deserved hometown celebration, and the entire community is rolling out the red carpet.

The fun kicks off Wednesday at 5 p.m. with a lively parade down First Street in Addis. Locals are encouraged to arrive early, wear school colors, and get ready to cheer for their hometown hero. After that, the celebration moves to Plaquemine for a special concert at 7:30 p.m. at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and fans arriving by boat are even welcome to enjoy the show from the water — because, let’s be honest, nothing says Louisiana pride like a boat party.

“We’re just so proud of John,” said Addis Mayor David Toups. “He’s making all of us — not just in Brusly and Addis, but across Louisiana — incredibly proud. He’s shown the world what our community is all about.”

Foster’s path to national recognition has been a blend of brains, talent, and heart. In high school, he wasn’t just known for his voice — he graduated with a 4.0 GPA, a 33 on the ACT, and earned the title of co-valedictorian. His former principal, Walt Lemoine, still marvels at how fast things have changed.

“Last year, he was speaking at graduation. Now, he’s on national television, performing for millions,” Lemoine said. “It’s amazing to watch.”

At Brusly High, the buzz is everywhere. Between graduation events, spring sports, and award ceremonies, John’s Idol journey has added a whole new level of excitement.

“We mentioned him at our awards night,” Lemoine recalled. “And the room just exploded with cheers. It’s like the whole town is celebrating with him.”

The community has always been tight-knit, and John’s return is bringing everyone even closer. His homecoming includes a school pep rally, the parade, and plenty of hometown love — all while the cameras are rolling. The school has already sent home video release forms to make sure students can be featured in the coverage.

In a time when good news feels extra special, John Foster’s journey is giving his town something to rally around. It’s not just about a TV competition — it’s about seeing one of their own chase a dream and make it big.

“Brusly may be growing,” Lemoine said, “but the small-town spirit is still here. And John’s success reminds us all what’s possible.”

As he gears up for his final American Idol performances, one thing is certain: John Foster won’t be taking that stage alone — he’s bringing an entire town’s support with him.

There’s always buzz around country music duos, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much speculation over two artists as I have with Ella Langley and Riley Green.

Ever since they dropped their fiery duet, fans have been convinced there was more going on than just great musical chemistry. The flirty back-and-forth of the song, paired with their undeniable on-stage connection, had everyone hoping these two Alabama natives were more than just collaborators.

Riley tried to downplay the chatter early on, saying Ella was “too smart” to date him and that they were simply playing into the country couple vibe — kind of like a modern George and Tammy. He even warned her when the song started taking off that fans would run wild with the idea of them being together, whether they liked it or not.

Still, even when Ella herself said they were just friends, no one really believed it.

Things briefly shifted when Riley and Megan Moroney were spotted vacationing in the same tropical spot. Megan eventually cleared it up, saying they ran into each other by chance on the island — not exactly a couples’ getaway. But even that didn’t stop the rumor mill for long.

Once Riley’s Damn Country Music tour kicked off and Ella joined him on stage again, fans jumped right back on the “they’re dating” train. One viral moment even had people claiming they were kissing backstage at the American Rodeo (spoiler: they weren’t).

Here’s the thing — they do sell the story well. Their stage chemistry is electric, and that’s what great performers do: they make you believe the song. But if there was anything going on, wouldn’t they have leaned into it by now? This is Nashville — playing into a love story sells.

Fast-forward to the ACM Awards, and everything flipped.

@bootsandhearts

Convinced “you look like you love me” will never not hit 🙂‍↕️ #ellalangley #rileygreen #countrymusic #acmawards #bootsandhearts

♬ original sound – Boots and Hearts

Ella and Riley had an incredible night, taking home awards for their hit “You Look Like You Love Me” — including Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year. On top of that, Ella earned New Female Artist of the Year. Huge wins across the board.

But when their names were called and cameras caught their reactions, fans noticed something… off.

They hugged, walked onstage, and let Ella lead the acceptance speech. Riley hung back a bit, quiet and reserved. That should’ve been a non-event — but this is the internet. Suddenly, viewers were analyzing every blink, nod, and expression. Cue the theories.

Some said there was “bad blood.” Others claimed Ella looked sad or annoyed. A few swore they saw an eye roll from Riley. Comments poured in:

“I know a situationship gone bad when I see one.”

“She hates that man.”

“He did her dirty. You can tell.”

“They look uncomfortable.”

“The body language says it all.”

And on and on it went.

But seriously — do we really think a few seconds of interaction prove anything? Maybe they were nervous. Maybe they were exhausted. Maybe they were just existing in the middle of a huge night. Not every moment has to be a dramatic subplot.

Ella and Riley are known for keeping it low-key. They’re not flashy talkers or big showboats. Ella even performed earlier that night with Miranda Lambert, who’s famously private and chill. And let’s be honest — Ella’s RBF (resting boss face) could just be doing its thing.

Instead of spinning new drama out of a hug and a half-smile, maybe we just let them be two insanely talented artists who gave us a killer song.

Sometimes a duet is just a duet. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

John Foster’s journey on American Idol is turning into a heartwarming story that has fans everywhere rooting for him. The 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, continues to shine, winning over judges and viewers alike with his blend of talent, authenticity, and a touch of charm. As he makes his way to the Top 5, competing against Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts, Foster is proving he deserves a spot in the Top 3.

This week’s Disney-themed performance saw Foster bringing his playful energy to “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. With his relaxed swagger and undeniable charisma, he had the audience on their feet in no time. Carrie Underwood praised him for making the classic song his own, calling it “just a good time.” Lionel Richie loved his natural charm, saying, “It’s not just about singing; people have to like you,” while Luke Bryan highlighted his “look, sound, and thing.”

Foster’s American Idol journey has also been deeply personal. On Sunday, he honored his Louisiana roots with a soulful performance of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog, earning more praise for his infectious charisma. Underwood noted that he always brings his true self to the stage: “John Foster is John Foster,” a sentiment that’s made him a fan favorite.

In one of the most touching moments, Foster dedicated his Mother’s Day performance to his mom, singing Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe.” He explained that the song reflects the faith his mother instilled in him, something he’s eternally grateful for. The emotional performance moved the judges—and especially his mom, who couldn’t hold back tears while holding a sign that read, “I believe in you, son.”

As his popularity continues to grow, Foster is adjusting to his newfound fame. In an interview with NOLA.com, he shared his disbelief at being recognized in places like Disneyland. “Never in a million years did I think I’d ever be recognized in Disneyland,” he marveled, still amazed at how far his Idol journey has taken him.

Whether he’s delivering heartfelt ballads or bringing joyful Disney energy to the stage, John Foster is proving to be more than just a contestant—he’s a storyteller with heart, a voice full of soul, and a presence that’s hard to forget.