Louisiana John Foster started things off with a bang, performing his first song of the night, "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" by the late Toby

Another season of American Idol has come to an end, but not without first giving fans a jam-packed finale before crowning the Season 23 champ. After a season of spilled secrets, and brutal axings that left many furious after the fact,

American Idol season 23 finale aired on May 18, 2025, and crowned a winner in Jamal Roberts. However, John Foster, who was the second in line, has gained immense popularity through his Idol journey, with almost half of America rooting for his win.