In a surprise twist that’s lighting up the American Idol fandom, whispers are growing louder about a possible collaboration between country legend Reba McEntire and Top 5 finalist John Foster—and fans can’t stop buzzing.

According to backstage insiders, Reba was deeply moved by John’s emotional performance during the semi-finals and reportedly asked for a private meeting with the rising star shortly after the show wrapped. What followed has fans spiraling with excitement.

Witnesses say Reba and John disappeared behind closed doors for nearly 30 minutes—and yes, faint sounds of harmonizing vocals were allegedly heard. Naturally, that’s all it took for fans to start speculating: Could Reba be planning to bring John on stage during her 2025 Anniversary Tour? Or maybe even record a surprise duet?

While neither Reba nor John’s team has confirmed anything, the idea of this powerhouse pairing has fans dreaming up setlists and counting down the days to tour announcements.

John Foster, known for his rich, heartfelt voice and humble southern charm, has already won over millions of Idol viewers. A nod from Reba McEntire, though? That could catapult him straight into country superstardom.

Whether it’s a guest appearance or a full-on duet, one thing’s certain—if Reba and John are teaming up, it’s going to be one for the books. Stay tuned, country fans. This story is just getting started.

On the exciting May 12 episode of American Idol, the competition heated up as five hopefuls sang their hearts out, all aiming for a spot in the Top 3 — and the chance to head home for hometown parades, celebrations, and a shot at winning Season 23.

Among the night’s most memorable moments was 18-year-old John Foster, who brought pure joy to the stage with his lively performance of “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. With a sparkling suit, effortless charm, and a grin that lit up the room, Foster turned the Disney classic into a full-on party.

He started the song with a soulful, slowed-down intro that showed off his smooth vocals, then shifted gears into a fun, high-energy rhythm that had the whole crowd tapping along. Foster didn’t just sing — he performed, giving a masterclass in stage presence and connection.

The judges couldn’t get enough.

“Your likability is off the charts,” Lionel Richie said with a smile, while Carrie Underwood, dressed in her own Disney-themed look, called it “just a good time,” loving Foster’s fresh twist on the tune.

But that wasn’t all. Earlier in the show, Foster brought the audience to tears — including his own mom — with an emotional version of “Believe.” The heartfelt performance earned him a standing ovation and solidified his place as one of this season’s standout talents.

With voting lines closing and the pressure on, Foster’s back-to-back performances showed both sides of his artistry: fun and fearless, heartfelt and honest. And judging by the crowd’s reaction, he may have just sung his way straight into the finale.

Whether or not he takes home the Idol title, one thing’s for sure — John Foster is already a star on the rise.

John Foster is showing he’s here to compete during Monday’s Disney Heroes & Villains Night on American Idol. With a championship title on the line, the country favorite wowed viewers with two Disney-themed performances in the Top 5 round.

The two-hour show gave fans the chance to vote for their favorite artists to move on to the season finale, with each semi-finalist performing two iconic Disney songs. It was the perfect opportunity for the contestants to prove they deserve to be the next American Idol.

John, who has become a standout this season, took on Disney classics like “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book and “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie. While these songs were a bit outside his usual country style, John’s talent shone through once again, effortlessly making each song his own.

This comes just one night after he impressed with “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog, a jazzy number that connected with his Louisiana roots. The judges were quick to applaud his performance.

“You bring yourself to everything you do,” Carrie Underwood said, impressed by his ability to stay true to himself no matter the genre.

Luke Bryan also credited John’s “charisma, charisma, charisma,” noting that it’s a big reason why he’s still in the competition.

After Monday night’s performances, the praise kept coming. Lionel Richie couldn’t get enough of John’s distinctive voice. “You’ve got that instant identity… you’ve got what it takes to be a lasting artist,” he said.

Carrie Underwood even made a bold prediction: “I’m telling you right now, if you’re not careful, you might win this whole thing!”

It’s clear that John Foster is ready to go all the way.

Season 27 of The Voice is wrapping up, and the finale kicks off on Monday, May 19—with a results show following on Tuesday, May 20. With fierce competition among coaches like John Legend, Adam Levine, newcomer Kelsea Ballerini, and veteran Michael Bublé, the stakes are high and the energy is electric.

As the finalists gear up to leave it all on stage, they won’t be the only ones bringing the heat. The grand finale will be packed with special performances from current coaches, former fan-favorites, and a lineup of incredible guest artists. Expect unforgettable duets between coaches and their finalists, along with solo acts that promise to raise the roof.

But the biggest buzz? Blake Shelton is coming back.

After stepping away in 2023 to focus on family life, the original coach and longtime fan favorite is making a headline-making return for the Season 27 finale. And he’s not coming alone—joining him are familiar faces like Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Chance the Rapper, and Season 22 winner Bryce Leatherwood.

The Tuesday night results show will be packed with music legends and crowd-pleasers. The lineup includes performances by Alicia Keys and Amanda Reid, Foreigner, Joe Jonas, James Bay & Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Chance the Rapper, and of course, Blake Shelton.

Shelton’s return is more than just a nostalgic moment—it’s a full-circle celebration that longtime fans won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars and get ready for a finale filled with big voices, big names, and even bigger emotions. Catch all the action on Tuesday, May 20 at 8:00 p.m. EST on NBC.

From the moment she stepped on the American Idol stage, Breanna Nix captured the hearts of both the judges and America. Her audition was a true family affair: her husband played the keyboard, and her son, Emerson, cozied up on Carrie Underwood’s lap, nearly falling asleep as Breanna sang “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Her incredible voice and growing confidence have only made her a stronger contender as the competition continues.

Throughout her journey, Breanna has kept her family at the forefront. Recently, she dedicated a heartfelt performance to her husband that brought him to tears. Now, as she heads into the finale, Breanna is undeniably a top contender for the win. You can catch the start of her inspiring journey below!

Breanna Nix’s Disney-Inspired Performance

This week, the Top 5 contestants brought their best Disney-inspired performances to the stage for the second half of American Idol’s “Disney Week.” Breanna wowed everyone with her energetic and vocally challenging rendition of “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”

Despite the intense pressure of memorizing multiple songs for the competition, Breanna nailed the performance without missing a note. Carrie Underwood, recognizing the hard work behind the scenes, pointed out how much is happening beyond what the audience sees—back-to-back shows, constant rehearsals, and the nerves that come with the competition.

Though Breanna started off a bit nervous, she soon found her groove. The judges encouraged her to relax and have fun with her performances, and it’s clear that she’s doing just that.

A Love-Filled Ballad That Brought Tears

The second performance of the night was the one that truly touched hearts. Breanna sang “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan, a song originally written from a mother to her child. However, Breanna made it her own by dedicating it to her husband, whom she calls her best friend.

She shared that her wedding day was the best day of her life, feeling like a Disney princess in her own story. “My husband is my rock, and I want him to know that he will always be my number one,” she said before performing. As she sang, her husband couldn’t hold back the tears, clearly moved by her heartfelt dedication.

Breanna’s performances continue to shine, and with her heart on her sleeve, she’s making her way to the finale with a strong chance to win it all.

With a cowboy hat on his head, a guitar in hand, and a voice built for country music, 18-year-old American Idol contestant John Foster continues to steal hearts and spotlight alike. Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, Foster delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season with his soulful take on “I Told You So”—a song made famous by Randy Travis and later covered by judge Carrie Underwood herself.

But this wasn’t just a tribute—it was a moment. Foster’s voice, rich with emotion and old-school country charm, turned the live stage into something special. And Carrie Underwood felt it. “I’m blushing!” she said, clearly touched by the young singer’s performance. “You keep pushing yourself every week. I love watching you grow.” The crowd cheered, and so did her fellow judges. Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “You killed it!” while Luke Bryan chimed in, “You impress me so much on so many levels.”

Underwood even compared Foster’s style to that of country legend Dwight Yoakam—a major nod for any rising artist.

Foster has been winning over America since his first audition, where he blended George Jones’ “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” with Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.” Since then, he’s stayed true to his traditional country roots with heartfelt covers of “Neon Moon,” “In Color,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” He even moved the nation with an original tribute, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn.

Just last week, Foster shook things up with a lively rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Mentored by James Taylor, he added new moves and energy to his act while keeping his country soul intact—earning a well-deserved spot in the Top 10.

Now firmly in American Idol’s Season 23 Top 10, John Foster isn’t just a talented country singer—he’s proving to be a true storyteller with heart, grit, and staying power. Whether or not he takes the crown, it’s clear one thing’s for sure: Carrie Underwood won’t be the only one glowing with pride. America’s watching—and cheering—him on every step of the way.

When John Foster stepped onto the stage, there was no fanfare — just a quiet presence and a guitar slung over his shoulder like an old friend. The room fell silent, not out of obligation, but in anticipation. You could feel it — something special was about to happen.

He began to play.

The first gentle strum of “Old Violin” sent a ripple through the crowd, like the sound of a memory stirring. Foster didn’t just sing the song — he lived in it. With every note, he wove a story that felt both deeply personal and universally understood. His voice carried a kind of worn-in warmth, imperfect in all the right ways, raw and rich with feeling.

There was no flash or showiness, no over-singing or high drama. Instead, Foster delivered a masterclass in subtlety. Each lyric sat heavy in the air, each pause intentional — as if he wanted every word to land gently but fully. It wasn’t about recreating Johnny Paycheck’s original — it was about honoring it, while letting his own heart bleed through.

His guitar work, soft and soulful, cradled the performance in a way that felt almost sacred. No solos, no tricks — just the kind of simple picking that tells a story all its own. It was as if the guitar was speaking with him, not behind him.

In the audience, you could see people leaning in — not just to hear, but to feel. Some swayed quietly. Others closed their eyes. A quiet hand-squeeze here, a deep breath there. The room was still, but not stiff — just wrapped up in the spell Foster was casting.

Then came that last line: “And just like that old violin, soon to be put away and never played again…” And for a moment, it felt like the world paused. You could feel the weight of it. The truth of it.

When the final chord faded, John didn’t soak in the applause. He simply looked down at his guitar, gave a modest nod, and stepped back — like a man who came to tell a story, not chase a spotlight.

And in that simple, soul-deep performance, John Foster reminded everyone watching: sometimes the quietest voices carry the loudest truths.

@qtmandyyy

Just a little Johnny Paycheck! #johnnypaycheck #wedontowntherightstothismusic #youngoldie #classiccountry #classiccountrymusic #fyp #amazing #only17

♬ original sound – Amanda

On a night full of Disney magic and show-stopping performances, John Foster chose a quieter path — and in doing so, created one of the most unforgettable moments of the evening.

Instead of going big with bells and whistles, the Louisiana native delivered a tender, stripped-down version of “Rainbow Connection,” the beloved ballad originally sung by Kermit the Frog in The Muppet Movie. With just an acoustic guitar and his warm, heartfelt voice, Foster turned the Idol stage into something that felt more like a cozy front porch than a national TV broadcast.

In a season where big notes and flashy lights are often the norm, Foster’s performance was refreshingly understated. He didn’t try to wow the crowd with vocal gymnastics — instead, he invited them in with quiet sincerity. Every lyric felt personal, every note filled with intention. It was the kind of performance that didn’t just ask for attention — it earned it.

The judges leaned in. Audience members dabbed their eyes. And fans on social media flooded timelines with love for the raw beauty of the moment. Foster didn’t just sing “Rainbow Connection” — he made it his own, and in doing so, reminded everyone why they fell in love with the song in the first place.

Choosing that song was more than nostalgia; it was a bold move grounded in trust — trust in the power of simplicity, and trust in his own voice. And it worked. Big time.

As the competition heads toward the finale, John Foster continues to stand out — not with volume, but with vulnerability. And sometimes, that’s what truly makes a voice unforgettable.

It was an emotional farewell on American Idol as two standout artists, Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis, took their final bows — but not before delivering heartfelt performances that reminded everyone why they captured America’s attention in the first place.

Slater Nalley: A Young Artist with a Big Heart
At just 18 years old, Slater Nalley from Atlanta, Georgia, made an unforgettable entrance into the competition. His original song, “Traces of You” — a touching tribute to a late student from his high school — moved Carrie Underwood to tears. “I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better,” she told him.

On Disney Night, Slater charmed viewers with his take on “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story and amped things up with “Born to Be Wild” from D3: The Mighty Ducks. Judge Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “You’ve come a long way, son.”

Over the season, Slater showed impressive range and heart with performances of:

“Over the Rainbow”

“Your Song”

“Angel From Montgomery”

“Whoever’s in New England”

“Atlantic City”

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight”

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”

Though his time on Idol has come to an end, Slater leaves with a devoted fanbase and a future full of promise.

Thunderstorm Artis: Soulful, Steady, and Always Genuine
For 29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis, American Idol was a chance to reintroduce himself to a national audience following his standout third-place finish on The Voice in 2020. The Hawaiian-born singer quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his rich vocals and heartfelt delivery.

His Disney Night performances — “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Find Yourself” — were packed with warmth and honesty. Carrie Underwood said it best: “You are all heart. We feel your heart behind it.”

Throughout the season, Thunderstorm’s setlist told a story of grace and emotional depth, including:

“Imagine”

“Is This Love?”

“Reckless Love”

“Faithfully”

“Colors of the Wind”

“When We Were Young”

“Out of the Blue”

Though he won’t be moving on, Thunderstorm exits the competition with his head held high and a legacy of soul-stirring moments.

Eyes on the Finale
With Slater and Thunderstorm exiting, the American Idol Top 3 is officially set:

John Foster – The smooth crooner with timeless charm

Jamal Roberts – The soulful standout with unmatched stage presence

Breanna Nix – The rising country-pop storyteller

Each finalist brings something special to the table, setting up an epic Season 23 finale.

Catch the grand finale Sunday, May 18 at 8PM ET on ABC — and get ready to see who will be crowned the next American Idol.

Carrie Underwood is facing heat from American Idol fans after her unexpected critique of fan-favorite Jamal Roberts during Monday night’s Disney-themed episode. Her remarks have sparked accusations of bias — and some fans are calling it an attempt to undermine the show’s last remaining Black contestant.

What Happened?
Jamal kicked off the night with a powerful, soulful take on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” bringing the judges and the audience to their feet. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie showered him with praise, with Richie calling the performance “amazing” and admiring Jamal’s unique ability to “Jamalerize” any song.

But when it came time for Carrie’s feedback, her tone was notably different. She told Jamal, “I feel like you missed such an opportunity to move around and entertain… We are getting close to the end here, it is time to pull out all the stops.” Unlike the other judges, she remained seated during his standing ovation — a moment that didn’t go unnoticed.

Fans React
Social media lit up with reactions from viewers who felt Carrie’s critique was off-base and unfair:

Double Standards? Fans pointed out that several other contestants have stood still during performances without any pushback. “Carrie told Jamal to move more — meanwhile, others have stood like statues all season,” one viewer posted.

Allegations of Bias: Some took it further, questioning whether Carrie was showing favoritism or dismissing soulful performances. “Carrie DEFINITELY does not like Jamal,” one fan tweeted, while another said, “She acts like country is the only genre that matters.”

Support for Jamal: Others rallied around the Mississippi singer. “This is what we call flat-footed singing,” one user wrote. “He doesn’t need to dance to prove he’s a powerhouse. This man is sanging!”

A Redeeming Moment
Later in the night, Jamal returned with a moving rendition of “Beauty and the Beast,” captivating the audience with his emotional delivery. This time, Carrie had little to say, while the rest of the panel urged America to get behind him. Luke Bryan sealed the moment with a cheer: “Let’s win this thing, baby!”

What’s Next?
Despite the controversy, Jamal Roberts soared into the Top 3 and is now headed to the Season 23 finale with a real shot at winning it all. But Carrie Underwood’s comments have left a lingering buzz — with some fans even suggesting it might be time to reconsider her seat at the judges’ table.

Regardless of the drama, one thing is clear: Jamal Roberts is giving America plenty of reasons to root for him.