“American Idol” fan favorites are continuing to shine long after the spotlight of Season 23 dimmed—this time, by lighting up the lives of young hospital patients in a powerful act of kindness.
Earlier this week, four of the season’s Top 10 contestants—Breanna Nix, John Foster, Thunderstorm Artis, and Kolbi Jordan—reunited for a very special visit to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Their destination: Seacrest Studios, where music and medicine intersect in the most uplifting way. The visit, which coincided with the energy of CMA Fest, was shared in a touching Instagram post by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, and fans everywhere were moved.
Inside Seacrest Studios, the vibe quickly transformed into an “American Idol” takeover. In one especially sweet moment, Thunderstorm Artis sat beside a young patient, gently teaching them how to strum a guitar. Kolbi Jordan brought the laughs, playfully blowing a whistle to entertain the kids. Meanwhile, John Foster and Breanna Nix joined in on the fun with warm smiles during a lighthearted interview segment. The crew also performed live for the children and joined them in a round of “Guess That Song” played on kazoos, sending joy echoing through the hospital halls.
Fans couldn’t help but gush over the reunion and its heartfelt purpose. One user wrote, “This is absolutely amazing! I can’t even imagine how much this brightened up these kids’ days! What an experience for everyone!” Another chimed in, “You guys are full of heart. I know the children loved it too.” As messages of praise rolled in, one fan summed it up best: “Clearly everyone had a blast!”
The idols themselves were just as moved. Foster called the visit a “great time” in his Instagram Stories, while Artis described it as the “highlight of the week.” Jordan added simply, “Had us a time,” capturing the joy in just four words.
Since the show wrapped, life hasn’t slowed down for these Idol favorites. Nix and Foster recently checked off a major bucket-list moment with a successful Grand Ole Opry debut, cementing their place in country music’s hallowed circle. Nix also hit a streaming milestone—her single “Higher” has surpassed 200,000 plays, a powerful accomplishment for the rising star and devoted mother. Artis, not to be outdone, celebrated his own success with “I Just Want You To Know” racking up 100,000 streams. Meanwhile, Kolbi Jordan continues to stay booked and busy with a major upcoming performance at the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival on June 20.
Though their journeys on “American Idol” may have ended, it’s clear that for these artists, the real show—the one that matters most—is just beginning. From big stages to hospital rooms, their music and their hearts are still making a difference.
