At just 22 years old, Olivier Bergeron from the small town of Kedgwick, New Brunswick, delivered a moment on American Idol 2025 that fans won’t soon forget. Taking the stage during the Top 24 performances, Olivier didn’t just sing a song — he bared his soul. His emotionally charged rendition of Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay” was more than a performance — it was a revelation.
The song, released in 2024 by Jelly Roll, is a heart-wrenching ode to the mental battles that so many fight in silence. With raw lyrics and an aching melody, “I Am Not Okay” became a breakout anthem for those grappling with inner pain — and Olivier took that message and turned it into a personal testimony. Having been open about his own struggles, he chose the song not for its popularity, but because it told his story.
From the moment Olivier opened his mouth, the theater grew still. With every note, you could feel the weight of his words — this wasn’t a young man trying to win a competition. This was someone who had lived the song, someone using his voice to turn pain into power. His soulful tone and quiet intensity made the lyrics hit even harder, creating a performance that didn’t just entertain — it healed.
Carrie Underwood was visibly emotional as she praised Olivier’s continued growth, saying, “You surprise us every time. You’re making us feel something real, and that’s what great artists do.” Luke Bryan leaned into his critique with passion, urging Olivier to “channel even more fire and angst,” encouraging him to dive deeper into the storm of emotions that makes the song so gripping.
Almost immediately, social media exploded with praise for the young Canadian. “Olivier just turned that stage into a sanctuary,” one viewer tweeted. Another wrote, “That wasn’t a performance — that was therapy set to music.” The wave of support reflected just how deeply his authenticity touched people from all walks of life.
But perhaps the most powerful endorsement came from Jelly Roll himself. The genre-defying hitmaker saw Olivier’s performance and responded with heartfelt admiration. He applauded the emotional honesty, expressing how proud he was to see the song resonate so powerfully with another artist. It was a touching moment of artist-to-artist recognition — a passing of the torch between two voices who understand the healing power of music.
Olivier Bergeron isn’t just climbing the ranks of American Idol — he’s emerging as an artist with a voice that cuts deeper than most. His choice to tackle a song like “I Am Not Okay” wasn’t just bold; it was transformative. In doing so, he allowed millions to see that strength isn’t found in hiding your pain — it’s found in owning it.
This wasn’t just a good performance. This was a soul-level moment. And while American Idol will move forward and new performances will come and go, Olivier’s rendition will stick — like a quiet echo in the hearts of those who needed to hear someone say, “You’re not alone.”
Relive the moment and witness Olivier’s unforgettable performance of “I Am Not Okay” on the official American Idol YouTube channel. Whether you’ve heard the song a hundred times or you’re discovering it for the first time, get ready — because Olivier Bergeron is about to make you feel every single word.
