Olivier Bergeron may have first captured hearts in 2022 as a semi-finalist on Star Académie in Quebec, but his leap onto the American Idol stage marked a whole new chapter. With English not being his first language, stepping into the spotlight of one of the biggest music competitions in the world wasn’t just brave — it was a bold declaration of just how far he’s willing to go for his craft.
His audition? Jelly Roll’s “Save Me.” A raw, emotional song — and the perfect fit for Bergeron’s soulful, gritty tone. It didn’t take long for the judges to be swept up in the moment. Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan were all in from the start, sending him straight into the Hollywood rounds with glowing praise.
And then came Hawaii.
At Disney’s Aulani Resort, surrounded by ocean breezes and the pressure of the Top 24 round, Bergeron chose another Jelly Roll track — “I Am Not Okay.” It was a vulnerable choice, a song that wears its pain on its sleeve, and Bergeron didn’t hold anything back. His voice, textured with honesty and heartache, filled the air with something that felt deeply real.
It wasn’t just a performance — it was a moment. You could see it on the judges’ faces, in the quiet awe of the crowd. Bergeron wasn’t just singing in a second language; he was communicating in one. Every note, every pause, every breath told a story — one of growth, courage, and an artist who’s learning how to bare his soul, no matter the language.
And in that moment, Olivier Bergeron proved something powerful: music, when it’s honest, doesn’t need translation.
