American Idol' Season 23 finale: Who took the crown — John Foster, Breanna Nix, or Jamal Roberts?

Just two weeks ago, American Idol viewers crowned Jamal Roberts the season 23 winner. The elementary school P.E. teacher from Mississippi beat out fan favorites John Foster and Breanna Nix for the title. Recently, Foster and Nix reunited for the first time since the show wrapped filming at CMA Fest’s “19/BMG American Idol Takeover” in Nashville. In a video posted to social media, the pair revealed they were already missing this Idol co-star.

As Foster and Nix visited Seacrest Studios, the season 23 finalists reminisced about longtime Idol host Ryan Seacrest. “I really miss Ryan,” Nix admits.

American Idol 2025: Who Is The Winner Among Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, And John Foster?

Foster agrees: “He’s just such a great guy.”

“I just miss Ryan, like, a lot. It’s really sad,” Nix added, just before spotting a cardboard cutout of Seacrest. Sprinting over to the lifelike rendering of their hero, Foster jokingly says, “He must be cold or something.”

“Nothin’ Like a Ryan Reunion”: ‘American Idol’ Viewers React to Seacrest Shoutout

Nix posted footage of the meeting to social media on Tuesday (June 3), eliciting a response from the American Idol host himself.

“I froze from being star struck,” wrote Seacrest, 50. “Thanks for coming by Seacrest Studios!”

The show’s official account chimed in as well: “Nothin’ like a Ryan Reunion!”

Wrote one Instagram user, “You guys are so funny!!! We certainly miss the show and seeing you all on it! And we love the encouragement and sweet way he engages with the contestants. The show would not be what it is without [Ryan Seacrest.]”

John Foster’s Dreams Are Coming True

American Idol Season 23 Winner Name, Photo: John Foster Vs Breanna Nix Vs Jamal Roberts; Who Will Win The Finale? | American Idol 23 (2025) Finale Voting Trend, Polls Updates | American

Drawing comparisons to Dwight Yoakum, John Foster won over fans and judges (especially Carrie Underwood) on American Idol. Making it all the way to finale night, the 18-year-old fell just short as he finished runner-up behind winner Jamal Roberts.

However, Foster is just getting started. The country singer-songwriter revealed in an Instagram post that he will make his debut at the storied Grand Ole Opry this Saturday (June 7.)

“As an amateur country music historian, there is no more significant place to my passion (country music) than the Grand Ole Opry,” Foster wrote. “This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true!”

Featured image by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images