John Foster, Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix emotional Hometown Visits
Fans who tuned into the American Idol finale Sunday night (Watch our Recap), not only saw Jamal Roberts crowned the winner, but also clips from the Top 3 Hometown visits. It’s a tradition that has cut across both FOX and ABC versions of the show.
John Foster visited Addis, Louisiana, Jamal Roberts headed to Meridian Mississippi and Breanna Nix went back to Denton, Texas for a heroes welcome. Festivities included a parade and night ending concert. Check out details of the singers’ special day.
John Foster – Addis, Louisiana
John started the day with a visit to his sister Presley’s elementary school and his alma mater, Brusly High School. Then it was back to Baton Rouge where the house of representatives adopted a resolution in his honor. Next a parade headed downtown. The day ended with a concert in Plaquemine.
At the Louisiana State Capitol, John serenaded the room with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” He told state lawmakers in the House chamber that he is “truly proud of this great state.” He added, “I think sometimes they get tired about me talking about Louisiana so much.” but It’s who I am.” John also visited senators in the upper chambers. He sang “Amazing Grace” again, a portion performed in Cajun French.
Gov. Jeff Landry through executive order also declared May 14 as John Foster Benoit Appreciation Day.
In an interview with WBRZ.com. “My hometown visit was proof of the fact that even if I were to be eliminated at number 3, I would forever have a place in the industry,” John told the outlet. “Addis, Brusly, Plaquemine, Port Allen, Baton Rouge, you’ve been supporting me in my early days while I was still honing my artistry in those bars, restaurants, and venues.”
John performed six songs after riding in a “massive crawfish boat”
Fun fact: John was a co-valedictorian at his high school and a Louisiana State University student. During his high school visit, a pep rally on the football field, the marching band played amid cheers from the cheerleaders. On the field, Foster spoke to the students. “If you wish to lead a successful life, if you wish to leave a greater legacy, listen to your teachers,” he said.
For the parade, John traveled in a massive crawfish float, tossing beades. After the parade, thousands joined Foster at the Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, where the stage was decked out with a sign that read, “Congratulations to our hometown hero.”
After arriving by boat, John performed six songs including Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox, Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” Randy Travis’ “I Told You So,” Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” and Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge.”
While performing his Idol single and original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her” dedicated to friends who were killed in a car accident, John broke down. On the American Idol finale, he performed John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” as a tribute to home. John finished the competition in 2nd place.
Jamal Roberts – Meridian Mississippi
According to the Clarion Ledger, tiny Meridian attracted 20,000 fans to Jamal Roberts’ hometown celebration. It’s no wonder that fans voted him the American Idol 2025 champ!
Early in the day, Jamal visited Crestwood Elementary school where he taught Phys. Ed, to meet with the kids. Aw, one kiddo came up on stage to hug him. It was a surprise for the students, who thought they were meeting in the cafeteria to discuss the rules for their fifth-grade vs teacher kickball game.
The aerial shots of Jamal’s concert, which took place after a parade through town, are incredible. Overhead, a mass of people gather to watch the singer perform.
During Jamel’s concert, which took place on Meridian’s City Hall Lawn, City Councilwoman Romande Waker, presented Jamal with a proclamation on behalf of the city, officially declaring May 14 as “Jamal Roberts Day” in Meridian. Jamal also received a proclamation from the Mississippi State Senate. The state-level recognition was presented during the concert by Senator Rod Hickman, who represents District 32. Watch a clip HERE. To honor his hometown, Jamal performed the Temptations “Just My Imagination” during the American Idol finale.
Breanna Nix – Denton, Texas
According to WFFA, Hundreds of residents filled the Denton sidewalks, many holding handmade signs and wearing custom shirts to cheer on the singer during a hometown parade.
Fans lined the Square for a parade featuring local high school marching bands, the Denton Spider-Man and spirit leaders from Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas. Check out a photo gallery HERE.
Breanna ended the night with a concert in front of the Discover Denton Visitor Center, 111 W. Hickory Street.
Breanna shared her thoughts in an interview with WFAA. Her American Idol performance gave her confidence and taught her to believe in herself. She feels fulfilled that so many fellow stay at home moms relate to her. Breanna has tried to push herself out of her comfort zone thoughout the competition. After the competition wraps, she plans to get out several songs.
She also had an ice cream flavor named after her!
Breanna finished the competition in 3rd place. To honor her hometown and American Idol journey, the singer performed the Miley Cyrus hit “The Climb” during the American Idol finale.
