“It’s very hard to be a dreamer where I’m from,” Olivier Bergeron shared in a heartfelt pre-performance segment. “It’s an emergency. I need to be a singer. That’s the only thing I can do. I just want to show to everyone in my hometown that when you believe in something, it’s possible.”
That passion and urgency translated into a powerful performance that quickly became one of the night’s defining moments. With emotion pouring through every note, Bergeron captivated both the audience and judges—none more than guest mentor Jelly Roll.
“I know what it’s like to be untrained and overwhelmed and just singing from the bottom of my soul with every part of me shaking,” Jelly Roll said, visibly moved. “I see it and I feel it on you. To be a kid that hardly speaks English, to be coming over here and kicking this much butt already—I am a big fan and I am your family.”
Bergeron’s performance stood out in a night packed with talent as viewers began casting their votes for the coveted Top 20. Other highlights included Drew Ryn’s emotional take on Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You,” Thunderstorm Artis’ soulful spin on Bob Marley’s “Is This Love,” and Mattie Pruitt’s full-circle rendition of Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake.”
Voting remains open until 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 15. The Top 14 will be revealed live during next Monday’s three-hour American Idol Easter special, which will feature performances by CeCe Winans, Jelly Roll with Brandon Lake, and more.
With his heartfelt delivery and undeniable growth, Bergeron is proving that dreams can cross any border—and this one is just getting started.
