Olivier Bergeron isn’t just chasing a dream on American Idol—he’s fighting for his future.
The 22-year-old Canadian contestant from a small French-speaking village in New Brunswick made that crystal clear in the April 14, 2025 episode of American Idol’s Top 24 Part 2. “It’s very hard to be a dreamer where I’m from,” he shared. “It’s an emergency. I need to be a singer.”
That urgency, that raw desire, has fueled every step of his journey.
In his audition, Olivier introduced himself with humility and honesty, admitting that he’d never had to speak English before. That language barrier didn’t stop him—it made his story even more compelling. He performed Save Me by Jelly Roll, and while the judges noted room for growth, they also saw something undeniable. Lionel Richie called him “unique,” while Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood were all in, agreeing to “roll the dice” on a voice that felt real and full of potential.
With all three judges voting yes, Olivier walked out with a golden ticket—and into a new chapter.
That chapter led him to Hawaii, where the stakes were higher and the performances even more personal. At Disney’s Aulani Resort, he delivered a heart-wrenching rendition of I Am Not Okay, another Jelly Roll song. Before singing, Olivier opened up about his struggles: “I always feel like I’m not okay in myself, because I always feel I was failing all my life.”
But that performance? It wasn’t failure—it was breakthrough. Singing with every part of himself, Olivier connected with the artist-in-residence, Jelly Roll, on a profound level.
“I know what it’s like to be untrained and overwhelmed and just singing from the bottom of my soul,” Jelly Roll told him. He didn’t just mentor Olivier—he claimed him. “I am your family,” he said.
That moment was bigger than a performance. It was a lifeline.
For Olivier, American Idol is more than a stage—it’s a shot at proving to his community, and himself, that dreams can thrive even when the odds are stacked high. He’s not just singing songs; he’s singing his story—one of grit, vulnerability, and an unwavering belief in music as his only way forward.
The Top 20 results air Sunday, April 20, 2025, on ABC. Whether or not he advances, Olivier Bergeron has already left a mark—and there’s no doubt his journey is far from over.
