After outshining over 120,000 hopefuls, only three contestants remained as the three-hour American Idol Season 23 finale kicked off on May 18, 2025. Finalists John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts were ready to perform once again for judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie—and for millions of viewers watching live.
With less than three hours to earn America’s votes during the star-studded finale, the pressure was on. Early voting would determine who took third place, announced by host Ryan Seacrest halfway through the show. Entertainment Now provided minute-by-minute live coverage of performances, judges’ feedback, and voting updates throughout the evening.’
‘American Idol’ 2025 Season Finale: 1st Round Live Recap
Foster, Nix, and Roberts faced a packed night of performances, including group numbers with the top 14 contestants and duets with major stars. The live show opened with the three finalists and the top 14 singing Queen’s anthem “We Are the Champions.” Host Ryan Seacrest then introduced the judges, all looking sharp—Richie and Bryan in tuxedos and Underwood stunning in a golden gown.
Mentored by artist-in-residence Jelly Roll, the finalists each performed a song chosen from their own list of favorites.
John Foster: Jelly Roll selected Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” from Foster’s list. During rehearsals, Foster shared how much the nationwide support has meant to him. His heartfelt performance earned a standing ovation from all three judges. Richie called it the “perfect song,” joking that Foster might have a future in politics. Underwood expressed how “so proud” she was of him for “pulling out all the stops.” Bryan praised Foster’s transformation, saying his “whole disposition has changed” since his audition, noting growth in both voice and confidence. Foster dedicated the song to military veterans, including his grandfathers, who were in the audience. He said, “It would be the absolute honor of a lifetime if they think this little ‘ol boy from Louisiana” could be the next American Idol.
Jamal Roberts: Jelly Roll recalled seeing Roberts sing Teeks’ “First Time” on TikTok in 2024 and was moved to tears hearing him rehearse. Wearing a white suit, Roberts engaged the audience with warm smiles and handshakes as he performed. The judges gave him a standing ovation as well. Underwood called him “so talented” and noted how “at ease” he looked, congratulating him on making it this far. Bryan asked jokingly, “Will you teach me how to be that smooth?” Richie told Bryan, “If you have to think about it, it’s wrong. The fella’s not thinking about it!” Praising Roberts’ storytelling ability, Richie and Bryan also joked about how Roberts makes his “ooooohs” sound cool. Seacrest observed Roberts was smiling more, and the singer admitted, “I’m excited!”
Breanna Nix: Jelly Roll chose Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” for Nix, highlighting how her faith has anchored her through the season. He acknowledged the struggles she’s faced, and the two shared an emotional moment together. Nix’s four-year-old son Emerson was shown sleeping in the audience, echoing a similar scene from her audition when he sat in Underwood’s lap. The crowd gave Nix a roaring ovation after her performance. Bryan said, “I think they’re saying it for me!” and praised her consistency, encouraging her to keep singing the music she loves. Richie described the competition as a “slugfest” and said each finalist has a bright career ahead. Underwood thanked Nix for unabashedly “speaking the name of Jesus” and staying true to herself and her faith.
‘American Idol’ 2025 Season Finale: Round 2 Live Recap
Following a break, the show shared heartfelt glimpses of the finalists’ hometown visits—family reunions, fan meet-and-greets, parades, and concerts. Each finalist then performed their second songs live, ahead of votes that would determine third place.
John Foster: Back in Addis, Louisiana, Foster revisited his high school and met with the mother of Maggie Dunn, his close friend who tragically died in a car crash in 2022. He shared that he wrote “Tell That Angel I Love Her” on the day Maggie passed. The song, released as his single on the eve of the finale, moved a packed nighttime concert audience to tears, with fans holding up lighters in Maggie’s memory. Returning live, Foster performed John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to another standing ovation. Richie marveled that it was “still hard to believe he’s only 18,” Underwood said “of course the country boy” deserved a wonderful hometown welcome, and Bryan called it “wonderfully done,” joking about the giant crawfish Foster rode in his hometown parade.
Jamal Roberts: In Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts reunited with his newborn and daughters, surprised students at Crestwood Elementary (where he’s a PE teacher), and promised to stay connected no matter the show’s outcome. He enjoyed a family cookout and led a parade and concert drawing 20,000 fans. Roberts said his goal is to “bring love and peace and unity” to his city. Back on the Idol stage, he performed The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).” Underwood praised his “incredible ability” to make any song feel fresh and fun. Bryan called Roberts “one of the most amazing people I’ve ever seen on this show” and marveled at his transition from classroom to stage. Richie joked that Roberts must be 200 years old and called him “divinely guided,” something he’s never seen before.
Breanna Nix: Returning to Denton, Texas, Nix reflected on the journey, calling the show “the best thing to happen” after her son’s birth. She toured town in a pink limo, delighted to see her name and fans everywhere—including an ice cream shop with a flavor named after her. At her sister’s house, she reunited with family and recalled tough times, grateful to feel so positive now. Local moms gifted her a “mommy makeover” to thank her for inspiring others. Nix admitted she once felt like “a nobody” leaving Denton but now knows she is “enough.” In the studio, she performed Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” receiving a standing ovation. Bryan called it a “perfect song choice” and said she took him on an “unbelievable ride.” Richie agreed, calling it a “perfect song with a perfect voice.” Underwood called Nix a “gorgeous, wonderful inspiration” who truly connected with everyone.
