FROM RIVALS TO PARTNERS: JOHN FOSTER AND JAMAL ROBERTS LAUNCH POWERFUL ANTI-BULLYING PROJECT—WHAT INSPIRED THIS GAME-CHANGING MOVE? #YouAreNotAlone

John Foster and Jamal Roberts, once fierce competitors on American Idol, are now joining forces to tackle bullying with their new project, “You Are Not Alone.” Their collaboration, born from their personal experiences with bullying, will bring educational workshops to high schools across the U.S. With the joint song “Scars to Stars” as their anthem, these former rivals are showing the world how music can heal.

Curious about how John and Jamal turned their pain into a mission for change? Click below to find out the inspiring story behind their anti-bullying project!

John Foster & Jamal Roberts: Former American Idol Rivals Team Up for Anti-Bullying Project

In an unexpected and inspiring collaboration, former American Idol contestants John Foster and Jamal Roberts are joining forces for a powerful cause—anti-bullying advocacy. The two singers, once fierce competitors on the 2025 season of the show, are now channeling their shared experiences of overcoming public criticism into a new initiative designed to help high school students across the country. The project, called “You Are Not Alone,” focuses on anti-bullying education and offers workshops at 10 U.S. high schools. Their mission is simple: to use music as a vehicle for healing and empowerment, offering a message of resilience to young people who may be struggling with bullying.

While their journey to collaboration may have started with rivalry, it has now become a partnership rooted in empathy, shared experiences, and a commitment to helping others. This initiative comes as no surprise to those who have followed both John and Jamal’s paths. Despite facing controversies and personal challenges throughout the American Idol competition, the two have found strength in their shared struggles and are determined to use their platforms for positive change.

The American Idol Scandal: From Rivals to Allies

John Foster’s time on American Idol was filled with both triumphs and controversies. The 18-year-old singer quickly became a fan favorite with his impressive vocals and genuine charisma. However, he was also thrust into the spotlight under less-than-ideal circumstances. One of the most talked-about moments during his time on the show occurred when, during the live announcement of the Top 5 finalists, a camera caught him looking “frozen” when Ryan Seacrest revealed the winner. Many fans and critics speculated that John had prior knowledge of the outcome, a suggestion that sent the rumor mill into overdrive. This incident, paired with his earlier status as a potential “nepo baby” due to his famous connections, led to a storm of accusations about dishonesty and unfair advantage.

In the face of this growing controversy, John defended himself publicly, taking to a livestream to clarify the situation. “I was confused with emotion. I had just poured my heart into every performance, and hearing my name called made me overwhelmed,” Foster explained, breaking his silence. His emotional response was a testament to the intensity of the moment, and he hoped to clear the air. Yet, despite his efforts to set the record straight, the accusations continued to linger, leaving him with the scars of a deeply personal public battle.

Meanwhile, Jamal Roberts, the 28-year-old American Idol winner, also faced his own battles with bullying. Known for his powerful voice and raw stage presence, Roberts made it through the competition with his charm and unwavering confidence. However, Roberts was ridiculed for his decision to perform R&B songs instead of sticking to gospel music, a genre that many expected him to embrace due to his background. He has spoken openly about how hurtful this criticism was, as it questioned his identity and musical path.

Despite these challenges, both John and Jamal persevered, and in the months following the American Idol finale, the two began to bond over their shared experiences of public criticism and personal growth. Their newfound friendship became the catalyst for the “You Are Not Alone” project, which would bring together their talents and personal stories in the fight against bullying.

The Birth of “You Are Not Alone”: A Joint Effort to Make a Difference

On June 1, 2025, John Foster and Jamal Roberts officially launched their anti-bullying initiative, unveiling the details of the “You Are Not Alone” project. The program will bring a series of educational workshops to 10 high schools across the United States, focusing on the harmful effects of bullying and the power of music as a tool for healing and personal growth. The project aims to inspire and empower students who have been victims of bullying, providing them with the resources and support they need to rise above negativity and embrace their unique talents.

During the announcement, both John and Jamal shared personal stories about the bullying they had faced in their own lives. “We are both victims of bullying,” Jamal said in a heartfelt speech. “I was ridiculed for singing R&B instead of gospel. People said I wasn’t true to my roots, that I was trying to be something I wasn’t. But music saved me, and it can save others too.”

John echoed Jamal’s sentiment, revealing how the rumors surrounding his American Idol performance and the accusations of cheating took an emotional toll on him. “It was tough. There were times when I doubted myself because of the things people were saying. The pain of being falsely accused hurt more than anything,” he admitted. “But music helped me through it. It gave me a way to express myself and work through the pain. Now, I want to help others find that same strength.”

The pair’s vulnerability resonated with their fans and the students they intended to reach. By sharing their stories, they showed that no one is immune to the pain of bullying—whether it comes from the public, peers, or even within the music industry. And through their partnership, they demonstrated how important it is to support one another and rise above the negativity.

The First Song: “Scars to Stars” – A Collaborative Anthem

To launch the project, John and Jamal, alongside American Idol’s third-place contestant, Breanna Nix, recorded the song “Scars to Stars.” The heartfelt anthem was inspired by their shared experiences with bullying, self-doubt, and resilience. Written by Breanna Nix, the song speaks to the idea of turning pain into strength and using one’s struggles to fuel success. The song’s powerful lyrics—“From scars to stars, we rise above it all”—resonated deeply with those who had experienced bullying and adversity.

“Scars to Stars” was quickly released as a single, and its emotional message connected with fans across the country. The song quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, becoming an anthem for those who felt marginalized or attacked. It encapsulated the core message of the “You Are Not Alone” project: that despite the bullying and negativity people face, they can rise to greatness and overcome anything. The song, which featured John’s soulful vocals, Jamal’s powerful delivery, and Breanna’s emotive performance, brought the three American Idol contestants together in a truly impactful way.

The release of “Scars to Stars” also helped further solidify the bond between John, Jamal, and Breanna, who had become close friends throughout their American Idol journeys. The trio’s collaboration symbolized the unity that had emerged from their personal battles, as they now stood together, not as competitors, but as advocates for change.

The Impact of “You Are Not Alone” and the Call to Action

As the “You Are Not Alone” project kicked off, it quickly gained widespread attention from the media, schools, and anti-bullying organizations. The workshops, which will take place over the next year, have already started to make an impact, with students expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hear from John and Jamal, who have been vocal about how music can be used as a therapeutic tool. In addition to the workshops, the project also includes a series of school concerts, where the trio will perform “Scars to Stars” and engage with students on a personal level.

The initiative has received praise from educators, parents, and anti-bullying advocates alike. “This project is exactly what we need in today’s world,” said Dr. Rebecca Harris, a psychologist specializing in youth development. “Music is a powerful tool for self-expression, and by using their own experiences with bullying, John and Jamal are helping to create a safe and supportive space for young people to talk about their struggles.”

For John and Jamal, the project has been a labor of love and a way to give back to the communities that supported them throughout their careers. They both understand the importance of having a support system and are committed to helping others find their voice, just as they did.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Empowerment and Inspiration

As the “You Are Not Alone” initiative continues to grow, it is clear that John Foster and Jamal Roberts are using their platforms to make a lasting difference. Their collaboration, which began as a friendly partnership, has now become a beacon of hope for students dealing with bullying, self-doubt, and insecurity.

The success of their first single and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness around bullying are just the beginning of what promises to be a long-lasting and impactful project. With more high school workshops and performances on the horizon, the duo’s message of resilience, self-worth, and strength will continue to inspire others for years to come.

In the end, American Idol may have introduced John Foster and Jamal Roberts to the world, but it is their continued efforts to use their fame for good that will define their legacy. They are no longer just contestants—they are advocates for change, inspiring a generation of young people to rise above bullying and embrace their unique talents. Through music and unity, they have shown that, no matter the scars, everyone has the ability to shine and make a difference.