In a twist that has the music world buzzing, American Idol Season 23 finalists John Foster and Jamal Roberts have both tapped country-rap superstar Jelly Roll for their debut singles, igniting speculation of a silent rivalry. The coincidence, described by fans as “hard to believe but true,” has stirred excitement and tension, placing the young artists in an awkward spotlight as they launch their post-Idol careers. With both singles climbing the charts, the question looms: is this a mere coincidence or a brewing competition?
Jamal Roberts, the 27-year-old Mississippi native who won American Idol in May 2025, released his cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal,” featuring Jelly Roll, which hit number one on Apple Music’s overall and R&B singles charts within hours. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Louisiana country crooner John Foster, the season’s runner-up, dropped his original single “Tell That Angel That I Love Her,” also featuring Jelly Roll, which landed in the top five on the country charts. The overlap has shocked fans, given Jelly Roll’s role as the show’s first-ever artist-in-residence, mentoring both contestants during the competition.
The drama unfolded after the Idol finale, where Roberts and Jelly Roll performed a show-stopping duet of “Liar” and “Unpretty” from Jelly Roll’s 2024 album Beautifully Broken. Foster, who performed with judge Luke Bryan, later shared an emotional letter praising Roberts’ win but hinting at his own ambitions: “I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me.” Fans on X noticed the coincidence immediately, with one post stating, “Both picking Jelly Roll? That’s no accident—there’s a rivalry brewing!”
Jelly Roll’s involvement stems from his deep connection with both artists. During the Top 24 round, Roberts’ rendition of “Liar” moved Jelly Roll to tears, with the star saying, “It ain’t my song no more.” Foster, meanwhile, received a heartfelt letter from Jelly Roll during the finale, calling him a “beacon of truth.” Sources close to the artists suggest Jelly Roll, a Nashville native known for his authenticity, saw unique potential in both. However, the simultaneous collaborations have raised eyebrows, with some speculating that the artists’ teams orchestrated the moves to capitalize on Jelly Roll’s star power.
The fanbase is divided. Some see the dual collaborations as a testament to Jelly Roll’s influence, with one X user writing, “Jelly Roll’s the hottest name in music—smart move for both!” Others sense tension, noting Foster’s calm reaction during the Idol finale when Roberts was announced as the winner, with comments like, “John saw the card and knew. Now he’s coming for his moment.” Roberts, a P.E. teacher with a soulful voice, and Foster, a college freshman with a classic country sound, represent different lanes, yet their shared choice of collaborator has placed them in direct comparison.
The music industry is watching closely. Roberts’ “Heal” has been praised for its emotional depth, while Foster’s “Tell That Angel” showcases his storytelling prowess. Both singles benefit from Jelly Roll’s gritty, heartfelt style, but the overlap risks overshadowing their individual debuts. Will this spark a creative rivalry, pushing both to new heights, or dilute their impact? For now, the coincidence has amplified their visibility, with 26 million votes cast in the Idol finale proving their fanbases’ passion. As Roberts and Foster navigate this unexpected drama, their duets with Jelly Roll mark the start of what promises to be a thrilling chapter in music.
