Here’s what to expect in the American Idol 2025 Season 23 Finale, based on the latest updates:
1. The Top 3 Finalists
The finale features three talented contestants:
- John Foster (18, country singer from Louisiana)
- Breanna Nix (25, Christian/gospel singer and mom from Texas)
- Jamal Roberts (27, R&B/soul singer and P.E. teacher from Mississippi) .
2. Final Performances & Voting
- Each finalist will perform two songs:
- John Foster: Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” .
- Jamal Roberts: Teeks’ “First Time” and The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination” .
- Breanna Nix: Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” and Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” .
- Voting opens at the start of the finale (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) via the Idol app, online, or text .
3. Star-Studded Guest Performances
The finale will include appearances by:
- Judges’ performance: Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie .
- Guest artists: Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Josh Groban, Jessica Simpson, and more .
- Top 14 reunion: Eliminated contestants (e.g., Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley) return for group performances .
4. Emotional Highlights
- Hometown visits: Clips of the finalists’ celebratory homecomings, including John Foster’s tribute to a late friend with his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” .
- Judge feedback: Carrie Underwood’s emotional connection with Breanna Nix and Lionel Richie’s praise for Jamal’s storytelling .
5. Winner Announcement
- The live results will be revealed at the end of the 3-hour broadcast (~11 p.m. ET).
- Predictions: John Foster is the frontrunner based on polls, but Jamal and Breanna are close contenders .
Where to Watch
- Airs live on ABC (May 18, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
- Streaming: Available next day on Hulu .
