Did the 2025 runner-up really read the card that revealed Jamal Roberts as the winner of the ABC series?’

American Idol season 23 is officially over, and Jamal Roberts is the show’s 2025 winner. But some fans seem to think someone already knew about his victory … namely the person standing right next to him when it was announced.

Jamal and John Foster were the final two contestants in the running during the finale on May 18, and host Ryan Seacrest had them stand beside one another as he revealed this year’s American Idol. The camera panned between John and Jamal, and fans watched as the two waited to hear which name would be called out. When Jamal was declared the winner, John seemed calm and collected in reaction to the result.

“@officialjamalroberts WINS #AmericanIdol!!! 🎉,” the caption read when American Idol posted the moment on Instagram.

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While fans were thrilled about Jamal’s win, many noticed the camera pick up a key detail about John’s American Idol loss. They noticed he appeared to have a good view of the envelope Ryan held onstage … and the name that was written on the card within it.

“You can see when John Foster looks over and sees that he’s not the winner! Just look at his reaction! John you were great! Don’t give up on your dream! Keep singing 🎶,” one person wrote in the comments. “John saw the name on the card. That must have been tough 😢,” another noted. “John peeped 👀👀 They were all so SO good!! 🙌,” a different follower added.

So, did John truly take a look at whose name was on the card? As he explained to TV Insider, he wasn’t even paying attention to what had been written down as the finale occurred.

“I was in a total blur,” he stated to the outlet. “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.”

John certainly appeared to be alright with the result, as he later went on Instagram to reflect on his experience being on American Idol.

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends,” he wrote in the caption. “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. 🙏❤️.”

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