The Road to Glory: One of These Finalists Will Be Crowned the Next American Idol

The stage is set. On Sunday, May 18, three talented finalists — John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts — will take their final shot at glory as American Idol Season 23 comes to an electrifying end. But it’s a bold prediction from former Idol winner and current judge Carrie Underwood that’s capturing headlines ahead of the big night.

During the semi-finals, Underwood watched John Foster perform “The Rainbow Connection” and couldn’t hide her excitement.

“I remember your audition — I felt like I had a diamond in the rough standing right in front of me,” she told Foster, radiating confidence in his potential.

She even revealed that she had to push hard behind the scenes to get Foster through to Hollywood.

“I had to do some convincing with the other judges,” Underwood added playfully. “And now you’re standing here proving me right. If you’re not careful… you just might win this whole thing.”

Carrie’s Prediction Echoes Idol History

Longtime Idol fans may remember that Simon Cowell famously predicted Underwood’s victory back in Season 4, and now she’s stepping into similar shoes by publicly backing Foster.

Asked by TV Insider whether Simon’s early confidence still resonates with her, Underwood smiled.

“It was early in the competition when he said that to me,” she recalled. “But when someone like Simon says it, it really sticks with you. It made me think — maybe this really is possible.”

Even Ryan Seacrest weighed in, wondering if Carrie is now channeling Cowell’s legendary foresight. “She was told she’d be the winner,” he noted. “I wonder if she’s got that same gut feeling for John.”

Inside the Final Week: What the Top 3 Are Facing

With the finale approaching, Underwood offered insight only a former champion can give. As the only judge to have actually lived the Idol journey, she understands the whirlwind week ahead for the finalists.

“They’re going back to their hometowns, seeing everyone they’ve ever known, all while preparing for the most important performance of their lives,” she said. “It’s emotional, it’s stressful — and that’s before you even step on stage.”

Asked how contestants can focus through the chaos, Underwood answered honestly:

“I’m not sure that you can. But that’s part of it — Idol is like Star Boot Camp. You learn fast: how to sing on live TV, how to work with cameras, how to take criticism, how to do interviews. You just power through it and grow.”

Seacrest Shares a Secret – And Names His Personal Winner

Though he doesn’t play favorites, host Ryan Seacrest has a unique perspective — he’s the first to learn the winner’s name each season.

“I’ve done this over 20 times, and every year, when I look down and see the name, there’s a moment — I feel the emotion before I say it,” Seacrest shared. “That moment still gives me chills.”

And while he won’t pick a contestant, Seacrest did name his Season 23 MVP: Carrie Underwood.

“She’s been amazing this season — a true mentor. She really stepped up and guided these contestants like only someone who’s been there can.”