Olivier Bergeron, a truck driver from Kedgwick, New Brunswick, has become one of the breakout stars of American Idol Season 23. With his soulful voice, heartfelt performances, and humble backstory, Olivier has earned a coveted spot in the Top 20—and he’s not done yet.
Though new to many American viewers, Olivier already had a music career underway before stepping onto the Idol stage. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter, who primarily writes and performs in French, released a six-song EP titled Dans un vieux placard (“In an Old Closet”) in November 2024. His breakout track, La chance de rêver (“The Chance to Dream”), became his most-streamed hit on Spotify with over 125,000 plays.
Raised in a tight-knit French-speaking community of around 2,000 people, Olivier taught himself guitar by studying YouTube videos. “It’s very hard to be a dreamer where I’m from,” he shared on the show. “It’s an emergency—I need to be a singer. That’s the only thing I can do.”
While American Idol has introduced him to a global stage, it’s not his first foray into televised competition. In 2022, Olivier reached the semifinals of Canada’s Star Académie. Even so, when he got the call to audition for Idol, he thought it was a scam. “I had to ask so many questions to be sure it was real,” he said with a laugh.
Despite a language barrier and the challenge of performing in English, Olivier’s vulnerability and emotional depth have resonated deeply. “I was never nervous to sing,” he admitted, “but speaking English in front of everyone—that was the scariest part.”
Idol Performances: Poise and Passion
On April 11, during episode 10, Olivier delivered a stirring rendition of Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay,” a performance that emphasized his ability to connect deeply with emotional lyrics. In his pre-performance interview, he spoke candidly about his need to inspire: “I just want to show everyone in my hometown that when you believe in something, it’s possible.”
Olivier took things to the next level on the April 20th broadcast, which featured the “Songs of Faith” theme. He chose Rihanna and Mikky Ekko’s haunting ballad “Stay,” infusing it with raw vulnerability that left the judges moved.
Lionel Richie praised Olivier’s emotional intensity but encouraged him to open his eyes more onstage to connect visually with the audience. Carrie Underwood delivered one of the most impactful comments of the night, saying, “Every time you perform, it feels like you’re singing for your life.” Luke Bryan acknowledged the immense growth Olivier has shown, remarking, “We forced you to grow very quickly, and you always answer the call.”
More Than a Contestant: A Symbol of Hope
Though he’s still in the competition, Olivier Bergeron already represents something bigger than the Idol title—he’s living proof that small-town dreamers can make it on the world stage. Balancing his roots with his artistic evolution, he’s become a fan favorite with a growing international following.
You can follow Olivier’s journey and music on Instagram @olivierbergeronofficial, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments, updates from the show, and glimpses of life beyond the stage.
As American Idol Season 23 heats up, one thing’s for sure: Olivier Bergeron is no longer just a dreamer from New Brunswick—he’s a star on the rise, singing not just for himself, but for every underdog who dares to dream.
