American Idol judges Luke Bryan dish on finale frontrunners as Top 3 prepare for epic showdown!
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Luke Bryan’s got a hunch about who’ll snag the American Idol trophy this season!
The country star can’t help but root for Jamal Roberts as the competition heats up.
With the finale just days away, Bryan’s been watching these talented singers duke it out week after week.
The Top 3 finalists—Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix—are now in a fierce battle for America’s votes.
Bryan spilled the tea during a casual chat with PEOPLE, saying Jamal’s been leading the pack all season long. But hey, in this game, anything can happen!
Jamal’s Got the Edge, But…
“My gut’s been telling me Jamal’s the frontrunner all year,” Bryan shared with a knowing smile.
The 48-year-old judge has been watching these contestants like a hawk, and he’s impressed with what he’s seen.
But Bryan knows better than anyone that fan votes are unpredictable.
Breanna keeps surprising everyone by surviving elimination after elimination. Meanwhile, John Foster’s popularity is snowballing at just the right time.
Bryan warns that losing focus now could cost anyone the crown—even Jamal, who’s been killing it all season.
It’s All About Popularity, Says Lionel
Lionel Richie dropped some real talk about what actually wins this competition.
The legendary “Hello” singer, now 75, explained it’s not just about who sings the best. “It comes down to popularity,” he said bluntly.
“How many fans actually like them as people?”
Right now, these contestants are mostly doing cover songs, but Richie’s thinking long-term.
He believes fans are falling for the artists themselves, not just their performances.
This connection with viewers could make all the difference when those final votes roll in.
Recent Eliminations Shake Things Up
Monday night brought heartbreak for Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis, who got cut from the competition.
Their journey ended just short of the finale, leaving our Top 3 to battle it out.
The pressure’s on now more than ever as the finish line comes into view.
The remaining contestants are feeling the heat as they prepare for their hometown visits.
With fewer competitors left, every performance matters more than ever.
The judges are watching closely to see who can handle the mounting pressure of finale week.
Carrie Underwood Offers Real-Talk Advice
Who better to give advice than someone who’s been there? Carrie Underwood, who snagged the Idol crown back in 2005, shared some wisdom with the finalists.
The “Before He Cheats” singer pointed out how much more intense this season has been.
“We had a much longer season when I competed,” the 42-year-old explained.
She thinks today’s contestants are dealing with way more chaos in less time.
Between hometown visits and the media frenzy, they’re getting a crash course in fame—what Underwood calls “star boot camp.”
Star-Studded Finale Approaching
The finale’s gonna be absolutely packed with musical star power! Viewers can look forward to performances from Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, and Salt-N-Pepa, among many others.
The stage will be glittering with talent from all genres.
All three judges—Bryan, Richie, and Underwood—will perform together in a can’t-miss moment.
Plus, artist-in-residence Jelly Roll will rock the stage too.
Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night!
