American Idol Revealed Its Champion On May 18

A record-breaking 26 million votes were cast on Sunday night after the three remaining finalists, Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts, performed for America’s vote for the final time.

They opened the show with a group performance of Queen’s “We Are The Champions.”

Each singer performed multiple times, including solos and duets with celebrities.

At the show’s end, it was finally time to reveal who America voted to win American Idol! Host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Breanna Nix placed third and that it was between country singer John Foster and the soulful Jamal Roberts.

John Foster and Jamal Roberts waiting to hear who won Season 23 of American Idol (Photo Credit: American Idol / YouTube)

In the end, only one person can win the show, and this season, that person was…Jamal!

Fans Think John Saw The Envelope Before It Was Read Out Loud

Some eagle-eyed fans noticed that John looked down at the envelope as host Ryan Seacrest opened it and knew he wasn’t winning.

Here is a screenshot of what seems to be John reading the envelope:

John Foster seemingly reads Jamal Roberts’ name on the American Idol results envelope (Photo Credit: American Idol / YouTube)
And here is his reaction just a split second after that:

John Foster’s reaction after seemingly reading the results card (Photo Credit: American Idol / YouTube)
One fan wrote, “John deff peeped down the card & saw Jamal name on there n looked at him & smiled.”

Another wrote, “John totally accidentally saw the card lol. So deserved! Wish we wish see the whole end ! They need to start that part sooner so we can see the celebration.”

“John saw the name on the card. That must have been tough 😢” said a fan, while one more commented, “YALL SAW JOHN LOOK AT THE CARD?”

TV Insider caught up with Foster after the finale, and he told them that he “barely” saw what was written on the card.

He continued, “I was in a total blur I knew I was at peace with being runner-up. Jamal is such an incredible performer. I was at peace. I really was. It’s a true honor to be runner-up.”

Despite Taking Second Place, John Was Incredibly Gracious

After the episode, John Foster took to Instagram and shared a few thoughts.

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends. I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million.” he wrote on social media.

After he had time to reflect, he posted on Instagram once again. He assured fans that he is going to work hard to put out some new country music and that he trusts in God’s plan.

He wrote, “God has a reason for me being runner-up, and I will always trust His plan! This is merely a first step into what He has in store for me, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.”

John Foster’s Instagram statement after placing second on American Idol (Photo Credit: John Foster / Instagram)
We know John Foster’s future is bright! Watch the moment fans believe he saw Jamal’s name on the card below.