With American Idol Season 23 heading into its highly anticipated finale on Sunday, May 18, the competition has officially narrowed to three powerhouse finalists: Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix. And according to judge Luke Bryan, one contestant has had the edge all along.
“My gut has told me Jamal has… [been] a lead all year,” Bryan told PEOPLE during a group interview after Monday night’s semifinal round.
Bryan, 48, who’s known for his instinctual and often heartfelt judging style, made it clear that Roberts, the 27-year-old Mississippi soul singer, has consistently been at the front of the pack. Still, the country star emphasized that the outcome ultimately rests in America’s hands.
“It could change with a little bit of not focusing,” Bryan warned. “They gotta be focused all the way to the end. The music business is never not like that.”
Bryan also acknowledged the undeniable momentum of the other two finalists. Breanna Nix, 25, has proven to be a quiet force throughout the competition.
“Every time Breanna gets through, we’re like, ‘She keeps showing up and making it happen,’” Bryan said.
And John Foster, just 18, is “gaining momentum,” Bryan added — particularly after his emotionally resonant performance of “Rainbow Connection” earned him high praise from all three judges, especially Carrie Underwood, who called him a potential winner.
Lionel Richie: “It Comes Down to Popularity”
Judge Lionel Richie, ever the industry veteran, took a more pragmatic view of the competition, noting that technical ability isn’t always what determines the winner.
“It’s an even playing field,” Richie said, “but it comes down to popularity. How many fans do they have that like them as people?”
He pointed out that while the contestants are currently performing covers, it’s their ability to win hearts—and eventually release hit songs of their own—that will shape their careers.
“Right now, they’re falling in love with the artist,” Richie said. “That’s what matters most.”
Carrie Underwood’s Final Advice: “This Is Star Boot Camp”
Carrie Underwood, American Idol’s Season 4 champion, reflected on how much the show has changed since her time—and what that means for the Top 3.
“We’ve had a condensed season. It was a lot longer when I was on the show,” Underwood, 42, said. “So they’re running to catch up the whole time.”
She acknowledged that the pace of the competition likely feels overwhelming for the finalists, especially as they return to their hometowns and face the pressure of fame.
“This is kind of a taste of what the rest of their career is going to be like,” she said. “We always call this star boot camp because you learn a lot really fast.”
