With the American Idol Season 23 Finale set for Sunday, May 18, the race to crown the next superstar is down to three standout performers: Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix. As anticipation builds, judge Luke Bryan believes one contestant has quietly led the pack from the very beginning.
“My gut has told me Jamal has… [been] a lead all year,” Bryan shared with PEOPLE following Monday’s emotional semifinal show. Bryan, 48, known for his heartfelt and intuitive judging approach, pointed to Roberts— the 27-year-old soulful vocalist from Mississippi — as the most consistent front-runner. Still, he reminded fans that it’s not over until the final vote.
“It could shift if someone loses focus,” Bryan cautioned. “Staying sharp till the end is crucial. That’s how the music world works.”
While Jamal has drawn early praise, Bryan highlighted the undeniable momentum of the other finalists. Breanna Nix, 25, has steadily earned respect.
“She just keeps showing up and delivering,” he said.
And 18-year-old John Foster has become a fan favorite, especially after his heartfelt performance of Rainbow Connection, which won over all three judges — including Carrie Underwood, who even called him a potential winner.
American Idol Season 23 Finale: Judges Weigh In
Veteran judge Lionel Richie offered a more grounded take, pointing out that vocal talent alone isn’t the deciding factor.
“It’s a level playing field,” Richie noted. “But it’s really about popularity — how many people connect with who they are.”
He emphasized that although they’re still performing cover songs, it’s their ability to build emotional connections and win over fans that will truly matter once they start releasing their own music.
“Right now, the audience is falling in love with the artist,” Richie explained. “That’s what counts most.”
American Idol Season 23 Finale: The Final Push
Carrie Underwood, the winner of Season 4, reflected on how much the show — and the road to stardom — has evolved.
“The season has been tighter. Back when I competed, we had more time,” said Underwood, 42. “These contestants are in constant catch-up mode.”
She acknowledged the whirlwind the top 3 are experiencing — traveling to their hometowns and facing newfound attention — is just the beginning of what lies ahead.
“This gives them a real glimpse of the industry,” she added. “We always say this show is like star boot camp. You learn fast and grow faster.”
As the American Idol Season 23 Finale approaches, one thing is clear: the journey has been intense, and any one of these three talented performers could walk away a star.
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