Last season onAmerican Idol,whenAbi Carterwalked away the winner, it was a nice confluence of who the judges thought should win – Abi was a Platinum Ticket holder – and who America wanted. But that's not happening in 2025. This season, all three Platinum Ticket artists –Kolbi Jordan,Canaan James HillandFilo– were eliminated early. In fact, none of them even made the Top 5. Filo didn't even make the Top 10, and Kolbi and Canaan were eliminated in the Top 10. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Despite the Platinum Ticket holders getting eliminated, there is a great singer in the Top 3 who will be performing in next week's finale:Jamal Roberts. The 27-year-old PE teacher and father of three daughters from Meridian, MS, has it all: A fabulous voice, a great personality, and stage presence. JudgeCarrie Underwoodsaid, "With everything we throw at you, with every song you tackle, you put yourself in it. You make it look easy." AndLionel Richieadded that Jamal knows how to "Jamalarize" every song in the book. The only thing that Jamal has going against him is that he isn't a country singer, but leans into R&B, and so manyAmerican Idolwinners are country... Related:American Idol's Jamal Roberts Reveals What Song He Wants to 'Bring Out of the Hat' This Season (Exclusive) ...Which means thatJohn Fosterwill probably win and follow in the footsteps ofChayce Beckham,Noah Thompson,andLaine Hardy. The noteworthy thing is that the 18-year-old from Addis, LA, almost didn't even get a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. Carrie had to convince LionelandLuke Bryanto give him a chance, which she reminded everyone during the Top 5 performances. John does well when you research the online polls as to who will win. And that matters if those people vote. But if you look at the number of views that Jamal and John get on their YouTube videos, Jamal comes out on top. Of course, Jamal has several years' experience on John because of the difference in their ages, and maybe with seasoning, John will rise to the level of Jamal as an entertainer, butAmerican Idolis supposed to pick the next singing sensation, and right now, that isn't John in my opinion. Related:Who Is The Late Friend To Whom John Foster Dedicated His EmotionalAmerican IdolTop 20 Song? There, of course, is a third candidate for theAmerican Idoltitle:Breanna Nix. Breanna auditioned for the singing competition on a whim. She didn't expect to win a Golden Ticket and now she's in the Top 3. The 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Denton, TX, is a lovely woman that I have become fond of, and she has come a long way in confidence since her audition. But she isn't slated to win. Her poll numbers and her YouTube views don't support it. That said, the third member of the Top 3 should have beenGabby Samone, but America got it wrong and sent her home during the Top 7 results. Maybe that will work in her favor. Look what it did forJennifer Hudsongoing home in seventh place. Related:American IdolStay-at-Home Mom Breanna Nix Talks Her Star-Making Turn: 'I Feel Like I Belong Now' (Exclusive) The bottom line is that any of the three could win. My prediction is John, although I do believe it should be Jamal. Tune in toAmerican Idolon Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC when the winner of Season 8 on ABC (Season 23 overall) will be revealed. Next,Make Your Vote Count! How to Vote Online or By Text onAmerican Idol2025
