Olivier Bergeron, a standout contestant on American Idol’s season 23, has successfully secured a place in the Top 20 after showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities. As he continues his journey on the quest for the title of America’s Next Top Singing Sensation, fans eagerly anticipate what he will bring to the stage next.
Hailing from Kedgwick, New Brunswick, this talented truck driver has a rich history in music prior to his reality television debut. Most of his songs are predominantly in French, and in a recent development, he released a six-track EP entitled Dans un vieux placard (In an Old Closet) in November 2024, which has further solidified his presence in the music industry.
Among his musical achievements, Olivier’s breakout single, La chance de revre, has garnered over 125,000 streams on Spotify, earning him significant recognition. His active engagement on social media platforms has enabled his supporters to follow his journey closely, with updates available on Instagram at @olivierbergeronofficial.
The Musical Journey of Olivier Bergeron
At just 23 years old, Olivier Bergeron has captured hearts as a contestant on American Idol, showcasing the talent of a young man from a rural village in Canada. With a population of around 2,000, he grew up in a French-speaking environment where he nurtured a passion for music alongside playing hockey. His musical education was largely self-directed; he learned to play the guitar by following tutorials on YouTube, meticulously practicing each chord to master the instrument.
This isn’t Olivier’s first foray into competitive singing. In 2022, he participated in the Canadian show Star Academie, reaching the semifinals at the age of 20. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled being astounded at the prospect of auditioning for American Idol, considering it an incredible opportunity that seemed almost unreal before he received a confirmation call.
Olivier expressed immense excitement over the opportunity to meet the esteemed celebrity panel of judges. His admiration extends to Carrie Underwood, whose artistry he greatly respects, while acknowledging Luke Bryan’s distinctive vocal tone and Lionel Richie’s legendary impact on the music industry—underpinned by his collaborations with icons like Michael Jackson.
“I love Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie is just a legend. You know, he worked with Michael Jackson and people like this. And I love the tone of Luke Bryan too,”he said.
Though he felt confident about his performances, Olivier acknowledged the challenges posed by language barriers. He revealed that communicating in English during his time on stage was daunting, yet he remained determined to convey his passion for music.
Olivier’s Aspirations and Inspirations
In a pivotal moment during the tenth episode of season 23, premiered on April 11, Oliver passionately performed a cover of Jelly Roll’s I Am Not Okay. Prior to taking the stage, he shared personal reflections on his motivations for wanting to win the competition.
Olivier articulated a deep-seated feeling of dissatisfaction with himself, stemming from a belief that he had failed to realize his potential throughout his life. He emphasized the struggles of aspiring to be a dreamer in his community, describing his ambition to become a singer as nothing less than an “emergency.”He aims to inspire others back home by demonstrating that belief in one’s dreams can lead to achievement.
“It’s very hard to be a dreamer where I’m from. 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, when you believe in something, it’s possible,” he explained.
Catch new episodes of American Idol season 23 airing every Sunday and Monday on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. Olivier Bergeron’s journey continues to inspire both fans and fellow competitors alike.