American Idol hopeful Olivier Bergeron says singing isn’t just a dream — it’s an emergency

When American Idol hopeful Olivier Bergeron took the stage in Hawaii this week, he wasn’t just chasing a dream — he was pleading for his future. In a moment that stood out on Monday night’s episode, the 22-year-old Canadian contestant made it clear that for him, music isn’t a maybe. It’s a must.

“It’s an emergency, I need to be a singer,”

Bergeron said in a pre-performance clip.

“That’s the only thing I can do.”

Bergeron, who grew up in a French-speaking community in New Brunswick, Canada, shared the raw truth behind his urgency.

“I always feel like I’m not okay in myself, because I always feel I was failing all my life,”

He admitted, setting the emotional tone for the performance that followed.

Singing I Am Not Okay by Jelly Roll — American Idol’s current artist-in-residence — Bergeron delivered a performance that felt less like a showcase and more like a cry from the heart. And Jelly Roll heard him loud and clear.

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Bergeron delivers an emotional American Idol performance

Bergeron’s song choice couldn’t have been more fitting. I Am Not Okay, a vulnerable anthem by Jelly Roll, reflects feelings of self-doubt and emotional struggle — themes Bergeron knows well. And he didn’t shy away from showing it.

The performance took place at Aulani, a Disney resort and spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, where American Idol filmed its latest episodes. Backed by scenic views and the support of his fellow contestants, Bergeron poured himself into every word of the song.

“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,”

Jelly Roll said afterward.

“I see it and I feel it on you.”

Jelly Roll’s praise wasn’t just surface-level. He connected with Bergeron’s story, even pointing out the young singer’s language barrier and resilience.

“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.”

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From New Brunswick to American Idol: a singer with something to prove

For Bergeron, just making it to American Idol is already a big deal. Coming from a small French-speaking town, he said, dreaming big isn’t something people are often encouraged to do. That’s what makes this moment even more meaningful.

“It’s very hard to be a dreamer where I’m from,”

He shared.

“I just want to show to everyone in my hometown, when you believe in something, it’s possible.”

That message — one of hope, belief, and pushing through fear — resonated with viewers and fellow contestants alike. On a show full of polished vocals and polished personas, Bergeron’s honesty cut through. It was raw, imperfect, and deeply human.

And it’s that mix of emotion and grit that might just carry him into the Top 20. Because while vocal control and stage presence matter, heart matters too, and Bergeron is showing plenty of it on American Idol.

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The stakes are high as American Idol voting opens

Bergeron’s performance came during Monday night’s episode, which featured the second group of 12 contestants. The first 12 performed Sunday night. Viewers now have the power to vote their favorites into the Top 20, and the clock is ticking.

Voting is open through 6 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, April 15, and fans can cast their votes via text, the American Idol app, or the official website. It’s a familiar process for longtime fans of the show, but for Bergeron, this vote could mean the difference between singing in his living room and singing on a national stage.

Each contestant is counting on their moment to be enough. But Bergeron’s emotional appeal might be the one that lingers. It’s hard not to remember someone who says becoming a singer is an emergency, not just an ambition.

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Why Bergeron’s moment matters on American Idol

Every season, American Idol features singers who bring more than just talent. They bring stories, struggles, and sometimes, a sense that this show is their one shot. Bergeron falls into that category, and audiences are responding.

It’s not just about the song he chose or the way he sang it — it’s the why. His urgency, his vulnerability, and his honesty all add up to something American Idol thrives on: authenticity.

He isn’t the loudest or most trained vocalist in the competition. But what he lacks in polish, he makes up for in passion. And on American Idol, that can be more powerful than hitting every note perfectly.

Jelly Roll’s support sealed the moment. Hearing a professional artist say “I am your family” is no small thing. For Bergeron, it was validation that he isn’t alone — and that his story matters.

Because of his genuineness and vulnerability, Bergeron's appearance on American Idol is significant. Technical perfection is not as powerful as his passion and story, and Jelly Roll's endorsement validates his experience. His story and appearance on the show are powerful because of this validation.

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What’s next for the Canadian contestant on American Idol

The competition is only heating up, and Bergeron will need more than one standout moment to stay in the game. But if votes swing his way, he’ll return for the Top 20 round with even more eyes — and expectations — on him.

The pressure won’t go away. But if his performance of I Am Not Okay is any sign, he’s prepared to meet it head-on. His journey on American Idol is just beginning, but he’s already shown the kind of heart that fans remember.

And no matter what happens next, Bergeron has already done something huge: he stood on a national stage and told the world, I Am Not Okay — and turned that truth into music.

If you missed his performance, now’s the time to catch up. And if you’re voting, it’s time to decide whether Bergeron’s emergency will earn him a lifeline. He's already shown heart and vulnerability, and now it's up to viewers to decide his fate by voting for him.