‘American Idol' fan-faves John Foster, Jamal Roberts advance to the Top 7, while Josh King goes ‘Home'
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Fan-fave singers John Foster and Jamal Roberts have both advanced to the Top 7 of American Idol, joining Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Gabby Samone, Breanna Nix, and Mattie Pruitt. This is undoubtedly one of the strongest lineups in the show's 23-season history.
The contestants performed Monday night during the "Judge's Song Contest" episode in which Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie picked the tunes. After all was said and done, host Ryan Seacrest announced that John, Jamal, Slater, Thunderstorm, Gabby, and Breanna had made it into America's Top 6, and that Josh King and Mattie were the Bottom 2.
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As co-winners of the contest, Luke and Lionel chose to save Mattie, making Josh the latest person eliminated from ABC's reality TV show. Ironically, Josh's last performance on the show was "Home," about a person's desire to return home — he got his wish.
John Foster (age 18 from Addis, La.) performed "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait (chosen by Carrie). Carrie raved that he delivered an "absolutely perfect" rendition, claiming, "Hearing you sing that song felt comfortable. That was one of your best performances." And Luke apologized for doubting him earlier in the competition, saying, "It was the perfect song for you. You're singing better and better every week."
Jamal Roberts (age 27 from Meridian, Miss.) belted out "I Believe" by Fantasia (chosen by Lionel). Carrie said he "delivered it beautifully." Lionel raved, "Your execution of that song had me crying. You're a phenomenon." And Luke noted, "I don't know if I've ever seen anybody connect the heart to the head to the voice like you're able to do. You made tears well up in our eyes. That is God-given."
Neither John nor Jamal has never been in the bottom of the voting results. Their social media views are always through the roof, and they frequently top Gold Derby's polls for who performed best on a given night. When asked the question "Who will win American Idol?" in our predictions center, our readers forecast that it'll be either John, Jamal, or Slater.
Throughout the competition, John has performed scene-stealing numbers like "In Color," "Callin' Baton Rouge," "Tell That Angel I Love Her," "Neon Moon," "Jailhouse Rock," "I Told You So," and "Something to Talk About." And Jamal brought the house down with his renditions of "Tennessee Whiskey," "Liar," "Forever," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Shout," "Heal," and "Undo It."
Next week on American Idol, there's a double-dose of Disney. The Top 7 artists travel to Disney World where they'll be mentored by Lin-Manuel Miranda. On Sunday, the Top 5 will be revealed, and on Monday that number drops down to the Top 3. Who are you rooting for to win Season 23? Be sure to sound off in our reality TV forum.
Watch John perform "I Cross My Heart":
Watch Jamal perform "I Believe":
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