In the American Idol 2025 Showstopper round, 22-year-old Olivier Bergeron, a truck driver from Kedgwick, New Brunswick, delivered a powerful rendition of Audioslave’s “Like a Stone.” Dressed in brown pants and a flannel shirt over a white tank top, Bergeron captivated the judges with his raw vocals and emotional delivery, drawing comparisons to the late Chris Cornell. His performance earned him a standing ovation and praise from the judges, with Luke Bryan exclaiming,
“There’s your rockstar right there,” and Carrie Underwood responding, “Where did he come from!?” Bergeron’s journey from truck driver to standout contestant has resonated with audiences, marking him as a rising star in the competition.
Also Olivier Bergeron, a 22-year-old truck driver from Kedgwick, New Brunswick, Canada, captivated the judges during his American Idol Season 23 audition with a heartfelt rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Save Me.” Accompanied by his acoustic guitar and dressed in a simple white t-shirt, camo pants, and a backward cap, Olivier delivered a raw and emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply with the panel. His soulful vocals and genuine delivery earned him a unanimous “yes” from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, propelling him to the next round in Hollywood .
Before his American Idol journey, Olivier showcased his musical talents on the Canadian television singing competition, Star Académie, where he reached the semifinals. His musical style blends storytelling indie pop and folk, characterized by a smoky, raspy tone reminiscent of James Blunt. While much of his repertoire is in French, Olivier has demonstrated versatility by covering country songs, indicating a potential alignment with the genre’s popularity in the U.S.
Olivier’s audition marked a significant step in his musical journey, highlighting his transition from a Canadian truck driver to a promising contestant on an international stage. His authentic performance of “Save Me” not only showcased his vocal prowess but also his ability to connect with audiences, setting the stage for his continued success on American Idol.