‘American Idol’ Final 3 Revealed as Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix Shine on Disney Night
The countdown is on to find out who will be the next American Idol. With the competition now at its most intense, the Top 3 contestants were revealed during a thrilling episode on May 12, after a night filled with powerful performances and emotional moments. Season 23 is now down to its final three contestants, and the competition has never been fiercer.
The episode was themed “Disney Night: Heroes and Villains,” where the remaining contestants—Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis—each delivered two performances. The talented contestants were mentored by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helped them shape their Disney-inspired songs, adding a layer of creativity and emotion to their renditions.
As the night progressed, the studio audience showed their support with energetic applause for the final five. The performances ranged from heartfelt ballads to upbeat crowd-pleasers, with each contestant striving to secure their spot in the American Idol finale. After two rounds of singing, the judges revealed the results.
The Top 3 contestants who made it through to the finale are Jamal Roberts, 27, from Meridian, Mississippi; John Foster, 18, from Addis, Louisiana; and Breanna Nix, 25, from Denton, Texas. Unfortunately, guitar-playing favorites Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis were eliminated. While they didn’t make it to the final three, fans will get another chance to see them perform during the grand finale on May 18, when the Top 14 contestants will return for a final showdown.
The finale will also feature performances from some major stars, including Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Myles Smith, and Kirk Franklin. The night promises to be a star-studded event, culminating in the crowning of the next American Idol.
John Foster’s Journey to the Top
The night’s performances started with John Foster, who captivated the judges with his charm and distinctive voice. His first song, “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, showcased his playful side. Starting with a slower tempo, John picked up the pace and infused the performance with his own energy and joy. The judges couldn’t get enough of him. Carrie Underwood described the performance as “just a good time,” while Lionel Richie praised his likability, noting that “a lot of people think it’s just about singing, but they’ve got to like you.” Luke Bryan added that John had “a thing, a look, a sound” that made him stand out.
For his second song, John performed “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie, a classic Disney ballad. Working closely with Lin-Manuel Miranda, John delivered an intimate acoustic performance that resonated with both the judges and the audience. Lionel Richie expressed his admiration for the unique sound of John’s voice, calling him a true stylist. Carrie Underwood encouraged John, saying, “If you’re not careful, you might just win this whole thing.” Luke Bryan praised the performance for being “authentically you,” which seemed to solidify John’s place as a top contender.
Breanna Nix’s Emotional Journey
Next was Breanna Nix, whose performances showcased both vulnerability and strength. Her first song, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” from The Parent Trap, had an uneven start as she struggled with the high-energy tempo, though her passion was clear. Carrie Underwood noted the performance’s early uncertainty but encouraged Breanna to “just have fun” in her next song. Despite the early nerves, Breanna redeemed herself with a stunning performance of “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan.
The emotional ballad allowed Breanna to shine, bringing the audience to tears with her powerful voice and heartfelt delivery. Lionel Richie praised her ability to lock into a note, while Luke Bryan commended her voice and presence, saying, “Your voice and your presence are so strong.”
Jamal Roberts’ Soulful Performances
Jamal Roberts brought the house down with two powerful performances, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend emotion and vocal control. He kicked off the night with a soulful rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” from Remember the Titans, delivering a performance full of energy and charisma. While the judges were impressed with his vocal prowess, Carrie Underwood noted that Jamal’s performance could have benefited from more movement and stage presence. Lionel Richie, however, was blown away by his ability to “Jam-alize” any song, while Luke Bryan marveled at his transformation from his initial audition to his current performance.
Jamal’s second performance, “Beauty and the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast, was a showstopper. Bathed in soft, golden light and accompanied by a string section, Jamal brought a deep sincerity to the song, earning high praise from the judges. Lionel Richie called it “a magical moment,” and Luke Bryan encouraged Jamal, saying, “Let’s win this thing!”
The Road to the Finale
With the Top 3 now set, fans are eagerly awaiting the final showdown to determine who will be crowned the next American Idol. As the competition draws to a close, it’s clear that each of the remaining contestants—Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix—has the talent, charisma, and heart to go all the way.
As they prepare for the American Idol finale on May 18, the journey has already been one of inspiration, passion, and unforgettable performances. Whoever wins, one thing is certain: these three contestants have left an indelible mark on the season and will continue to captivate audiences long after the final note is sung.
