‘American Idol’ Judge Luke Bryan Reveals Strong Hunch About Who Will Win This Season

As American Idol approaches its highly anticipated finale, speculation is at an all-time high.

With the Top 3 finalists now locked in—Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts—the countdown to the crowning moment has begun. And while fans are making their own predictions, judge Luke Bryan has already made his.

The finale, scheduled for May 18, promises to be more than just a showdown of voices—it’s shaping up to be a celebration of music.

With a star-studded lineup including Goo Goo Dolls, Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and many more, the three-hour broadcast will be packed with performances that rival the excitement of the competition itself.

But amid all the glittering performances, one question looms: who will walk away as the next American Idol?

A Season of Surprises, Momentum, and Raw Talent

Luke Bryan, who has spent the season mentoring and watching these finalists grow on stage week after week, isn’t shy about his instincts. He admits his intuition has been pointing in one direction for a while now.

“My gut has told me Jamal has… [been] a lead all year,” Luke said, offering an honest glimpse into his perspective as a judge.

While Bryan acknowledges the unique strengths of each finalist, he also notes the unpredictable nature of the finale.

“When you look at every time Breanna gets through, we’re like, ‘She keeps showing up and making it happen.’ And then John Foster just seems to be gaining momentum,” he explained.

The Power of Focus and Consistency

Still, it’s Jamal Roberts who’s consistently stood out to him.

“Even if it’s something that Jamal’s kind of had the reins of, it could change with a little bit of not focus[ing] … so they gotta be focused all the way to the end. The music business never is not like that. You’ve gotta focus every day.”

Luke’s comments reflect the reality of showbiz: consistency and presence can tip the scale. While his “gut feeling” favors Jamal, he also understands how momentum and last-minute performances can shift public sentiment.

May 18: The Night It All Comes Together

As viewers brace for what promises to be a jaw-dropping finale, Luke Bryan’s pick adds fuel to the conversation. Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain—the road to the crown will be hard-fought and well-earned.

And come May 18, the world will know if Bryan’s instincts were right all along.

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