Idol Chatter & Voice Views

John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts take the stage Sunday night on American Idol. (ABC Photo)

John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts take the stage for a final series of performances tonight as American Idol fans vote for a Season 23 champion.

Those three talented artists will be the focus of the show, but not the only highlight.

Because tonight’s three-hour finale will also feature performances by the Idol judges and a guest star lineup that includes Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, Brandon Lake and the Goo Goo Dolls.

I’ll be live blogging and providing song by song grades throughout the show.

See also …
Ranking the Top 3 on American Idol
Videos from the the hometown visits for John, Jamal and Breanna
A look back at John Foster’s Idol performances
A look back at Jamal Roberts’ Idol performances
A look back at Breanna Nix’s Idol performances

ROUND ONE

For the first round, Jelly Roll was given a list of each singer’s favorite songs. Jelly Roll then picked one of the songs for them.

John Foster, 18, Addis, La., “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith: Okay, that was a rousing and patriotic way to open the evening. And John was in great voice. Especially loved how he sounded when the song went more quiet near the end. He’s extremely well spoken too. Grade: A–

Breanna Nix, 25, Denton, Texas,

Jamal Roberts, 26, Meridian, Miss., “First Time” by Teeks: Jelly Roll said he picked this song because he loved the version Jamal did on TikTok. He clearly has more vocal tricks up his sleeve than John vocally. But I enjoyed John’s performance just a bit more. Luke loved how smooth and cool John is. Lionel loves his look. Grade: B+

ROUND TWO

John Foster, 18, Addis, La.,

Breanna Nix, 25, Denton, Texas,

Jamal Roberts, 26, Meridian, Miss.,

ROUND THREE

John Foster, 18, Addis, La.,

Breanna Nix, 25, Denton, Texas,

Jamal Roberts, 26, Meridian, Miss.,