John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix face off in a star-studded grand finale
The stage is set, the votes are nearly in, and the journey of American Idol Season 23 is about to culminate in a thrilling three-hour live finale airing Sunday, May 18 at 8 PM EDT on ABC and streaming via Hulu. The remaining contestants—John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix—have sung their hearts out for weeks, and now, one of them will become the next American Idol.
Here’s everything you need to know before the winner is announced.
The Final 3 Contestants: Strengths, Stats, and Storylines
3rd Place Prediction: Breanna Nix – The Inspirational Vocalist

Breanna Nix has captured hearts throughout the season with her gospel-rooted vocals and emotional performances. A stay-at-home mom who’s openly battled self-confidence issues, Breanna’s vulnerability has resonated with audiences nationwide.
While she’s delivered some stunning vocal moments and boasts an impressive range, her social media numbers and fan momentum haven’t quite matched those of her competitors. Still, industry insiders believe Breanna may find success beyond Idol in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) space.
Notable Performance Views:
“You’ll Be in My Heart” – 162.2K
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – 157.2K
Runner-Up Prediction: Jamal Roberts – The Showman

Jamal Roberts, a physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, is arguably the most well-rounded entertainer of the season. From soulful ballads to high-energy covers, Jamal has consistently wowed the judges and fans alike.
Judges including Lionel Richie have praised his versatility, and Luke Bryan even hinted that Jamal might pull off a win. He’s earned millions of views on social media and brings a fresh blend of charisma, artistry, and vocal agility.
Top Facebook Performances:
“Beauty and the Beast” – 1.1M
“A Change is Gonna Come” – 1.3M
Front-Runner: John Foster – The Country Crooner

At just 18, John Foster has emerged as the clear favorite to win American Idol 2025. Though his vocal range may not rival his fellow finalists, his smooth, radio-ready tone, charm, and country appeal make him a formidable contestant.
John has gained significant traction on social media—his rendition of “Believe” alone has racked up 2.2 million views, outperforming every other finalist. With the success of previous male country winners like Laine Hardy and Noah Thompson, history may be on John’s side.
Top Facebook Performances:
“Believe” – 2.2M
“Rainbow Connection” – 833.6K
📊 Final Polls: Who Will Win vs. Who Should Win?
According to fan polling data:
- Who WILL Win:
- John Foster – 53.64%
- Jamal Roberts – 34.38%
- Breanna Nix – 11.98%
- Who SHOULD Win:
- Jamal Roberts – 44.96%
- John Foster – 39.71%
- Breanna Nix – 15.32%
This divergence between “will” and “should” highlights a tight race between John and Jamal, with Breanna trailing behind in both categories.
📱Social Media Metrics: A Key Indicator?
Facebook views offer another glimpse into contestant popularity. While John Foster holds the highest-viewed performance of the season, Jamal also commands impressive digital engagement. Breanna’s numbers, while respectable, fall short by comparison.
Top 3 Total View Summary (Past 2 Weeks):
- John Foster: ~4.2M+
- Jamal Roberts: ~2.8M+
- Breanna Nix: ~800K+
Finale Lineup: A Night of Music Royalty
The three-hour finale promises to be a star-studded celebration, with performances from:
- Patti LaBelle
- Goo Goo Dolls
- Good Charlotte
- Josh Groban
- Jessica Simpson
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Kirk Franklin
- PJ Morton
- Brandon Lake
- The War and Treaty
- Jennifer Holliday
- Jelly Roll (Artist in Residence)
Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will also perform. Duets include:
- Gabby Samone with Jennifer Holliday
- Thunderstorm Artis with The War and Treaty
- Kolbi Jordan with Patti LaBelle
Final Prediction
Based on voting trends, viewership stats, and fan sentiment, our prediction is that John Foster will win American Idol 2025. With his commercial-ready voice and strong appeal to the Idol demographic, John is poised to become the next breakout country star.
However, Jamal Roberts remains a strong contender, and an upset is still within reach.

Tune In
Don’t miss the American Idol 2025 Finale:
- Date: Sunday, May 18
- Time: 8 PM EDT / 5 PM PDT
- Where: ABC (Live coast-to-coast) and Hulu (Streaming)