Judges Praise Finalists’ Unique Talents as Fans Debate Who Has What It Takes to Win
After weeks of unforgettable performances and emotional journeys, American Idol has officially unveiled its Top 3 finalists for Season 23: Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix. As two contestants were eliminated following the second night of Disney-themed performances, the competition now heads into its grand finale on Sunday, May 18.
Each of the three remaining singers brings something distinct to the table—whether it’s vocal power, emotional connection, or stage charisma—and the judges have each hinted at what qualities they believe make a true Idol winner.
What Are the Judges Really Looking For?
While each of the celebrity judges—Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—has their own style and preferences, their comments throughout the season have given fans insight into what they value most:
- One judge seems to prioritize star power and creative performance, highlighting contestants who bring originality, style, and the ability to transform a stage with charisma.
- Another judge focuses on emotional depth, looking for contestants who create a powerful connection with the audience, transcending technique with heart.
- The third judge appears drawn to contestants with instant appeal, valuing those with a memorable presence, unique sound, and undeniable personality.
This trio of perspectives came through clearly as each Top 3 finalist delivered two songs on Disney Night.
John Foster: The Charismatic Crowd Favorite
- Age: 18
- Hometown: Addis, Louisiana
- Performances: “The Bare Necessities” (The Jungle Book), “Rainbow Connection” (The Muppets)
John charmed the crowd with his light-hearted take on The Bare Necessities and followed it with a soulful, heartfelt version of Rainbow Connection. Carrie Underwood told him, “You took a fun song and made it your own. It was just a good time!” By the end of the night, she even hinted at his frontrunner status: “If you ain’t real careful, you might just win this whole thing.”
Lionel Richie praised his “likability” and the distinctive “timbre of your voice”, while Luke Bryan said, “You’ve got a thing, you’ve got a look, you’ve got a sound.”
John has proven he’s not just a strong vocalist, but also a performer who can adapt, entertain, and win hearts—qualities that could take him all the way.
Breanna Nix: The Consistent and Emotional Powerhouse
- Age: 25
- Hometown: Denton, Texas
- Performances: “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” (The Parent Trap), “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Tarzan)
Breanna brought a high-energy vibe to her first song, though Carrie Underwood noted some uncertainty in the first half. But in her second performance, Breanna found her stride, delivering a touching rendition of You’ll Be in My Heart, earning admiration from all three judges.
Carrie told her, “You brought us into your family and it was such a sweet moment,” while Lionel commented, “When you lock in on a note, it ain’t goin’ nowhere.” Luke added, “Your voice and your presence is so strong.”
Breanna’s emotional storytelling and vocal control have made her a quiet force throughout the competition.
Jamal Roberts: The Soulful Standout with a Powerful Arc
- Age: 27
- Hometown: Meridian, Mississippi
- Performances: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Remember the Titans), “Beauty and the Beast” (Beauty and the Beast)
Jamal’s soulful spin on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s classic track stunned the crowd and judges alike—except for Carrie Underwood, whose critique sparked some backlash. While she acknowledged his “incredible voice,” she also said he missed an “opportunity to move around and entertain.” The comment led to a flurry of online debate, with fans calling out inconsistency in her feedback compared to other contestants.
Nevertheless, Jamal bounced back with a soaring performance of Beauty and the Beast, prompting a raucous response from the audience. Carrie was drowned out by cheers, while Lionel exclaimed, “So much soul. Only you can pull that off,” and Luke encouraged him, “Let’s win this thing!”
Jamal’s evolution from emotional ballads to bold reinterpretations has made him a standout with massive momentum heading into the finale.
