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Olivier Bergeron moved both the judges and audiences across the nation to tears on American Idol during his poignant performance on April 14. He delivered an emotional rendition of Jelly Roll’s heartfelt song “I Am Not Okay,” showcasing his vulnerability and deep connection to the music.
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The 22-year-old from Canada, hailing from a French-speaking community in New Brunswick, articulated his burning passion for music as more than just an aspiration—it’s a vital part of his existence.
“It’s very hard to be a dreamer where I’m from,” he expressed in a pre-performance segment. “It’s an emergency. I need to be a singer. That’s the only thing I can do. I just want to show to everyone in my hometown that when you believe in something, it’s possible.”
During the Top 24 round at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Bergeron infused every line of the Jelly Roll ballad with rich emotion. The original artist was in attendance, visibly impacted by the heartfelt performance.
After the performance, Jelly Roll shared his own experiences with Bergeron, saying, “I know what it’s like to be untrained and overwhelmed and just singing from the bottom of my soul with every part of me shaking. I see it and I feel it on you. To be a kid that hardly speaks English, to be coming over here and kicking this much butt already, I am a big fan and I am your family.”
This moment became a highlight of the night as the voting opened for viewers to support their favorites and help them advance to the Top 20.
Other standout performances included Drew Ryn’s heartfelt version of Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You,” Thunderstorm Artis’ soulful interpretation of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love,” and Mattie Pruitt’s poignant moment with Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake.”
Voting for American Idol is open until 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 15. Viewers can anticipate the reveal of the Top 14 in a live show next Monday, which will feature a special three-hour Easter broadcast with performances from artists like CeCe Winans and Jelly Roll alongside Brandon Lake.
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www.billboard.com