The American Idol Season 23 finale promises to be one for the ages — and if the rumored setlist leak is any indication, fans are in for a night of massive performances, surprise guests, and high-stakes emotion. While ABC has kept official details tightly under wraps, the buzz surrounding what’s to come has only intensified in the hours leading up to the live broadcast.
At the heart of the three-hour spectacle are the Top 3 finalists: John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts. Each will perform multiple songs in a final bid to capture America’s votes, with live voting determining not only who finishes in third place — announced halfway through the broadcast — but ultimately who wins the crown.
What to Expect: Big Voices, Bigger Moments
According to circulating leaks from insider fan accounts, the finale will follow a familiar yet thrilling format:
- Solo performances from each finalist
- Reprises of their standout songs from earlier in the season
- Celebrity duets
- Surprise collaborations
- A group number featuring all Top 14 contestants
- Special appearances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie
Producers have reportedly pulled out all the stops for the final show, with rumors suggesting at least one major surprise duet and a potential return by past Idol winners. Some speculate that Laine Hardy may take the stage to support fellow Louisiana native John Foster.
Live Voting Details: How to Support Your Favorite
Voting opens as soon as the finale begins — Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT — and closes during the final commercial break around 10:50 p.m. ET.
Fans can vote up to 10 times per contestant per method, with three total voting platforms:
- ABC’s website (americanidol.com/vote)
- The American Idol app (iOS and Android)
- Text message voting
Here’s how to text your vote:
- Breanna Nix — Text 9 to 21523
- Jamal Roberts — Text 12 to 21523
- John Foster — Text 13 to 21523
You can change your votes anytime during the show, as long as changes are saved before voting closes.
Controversy Over Live Voting
While live voting has been a staple of American Idol in recent years, some fans continue to voice concern over its fairness. Viewers in time zones where the show airs earlier may have an advantage, and those who can’t watch live miss the opportunity to vote.
But Idol executive producer Megan Wolflick addressed the criticism ahead of the finale, saying the current system has proven reliable.
“It’s pretty consistent,” Wolflick told Gold Derby. “The fact that we can still generate 22 million votes in a two-hour stretch is pretty awesome.”
She added that most fans have adjusted to the format, knowing they must act fast to support their favorites.
Will the Finale Live Up to the Hype?
With an emotional season behind them, all three finalists are now poised to deliver career-defining performances. From heartfelt ballads to powerhouse vocals, the finale is expected to showcase exactly why each contestant deserves the win.
Whether it’s Jamal Roberts’ soulful storytelling, Breanna Nix’s powerhouse vocals, or John Foster’s heartfelt country authenticity, fans are bracing for a night that could mark the start of a lifelong career for one of these rising stars.
Tune in Sunday, May 18 at 8/7c on ABC for the American Idol 2025 finale — and don’t forget to vote.
