After months of intense competition and over 120,000 hopefuls trying out, Jamal Roberts has been crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23!
The live, three-hour finale on May 18, 2025, brought the final three — Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix — together for an unforgettable night filled with powerful performances and heartfelt moments. Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie were all there, while millions of viewers across the country tuned in live to cast their votes.
First Big Announcement:
Midway through the show, host Ryan Seacrest revealed who made it to the Top 2. The tension was thick as he announced:
“The first spot in the Top 2 goes to John Foster… And the other finalist is… Jamal Roberts.”
That meant fan-favorite Breanna Nix finished in third place, which sparked lots of reactions online — from praise to surprise and even protest from passionate fans.
The Winner Revealed:
After the voting closed during a commercial break, Seacrest returned to reveal an incredible 26 million votes cast—more than double last year’s finale!
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for:
“The winner of American Idol Season 23 is… JAMAL ROBERTS!”
Cheers filled the room as Jamal, overwhelmed with emotion, dropped to his knees amid a shower of confetti. His daughter, who’s been his biggest inspiration all season, watched proudly from the front row.
Jamal’s Journey:
Jamal’s path to victory was full of heartfelt storytelling and pure soul. As a single dad, he often dedicated his performances to his daughter, winning over fans with his mix of gospel roots and mainstream appeal. Songs like “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Stand By Me,” and his original finale song showed off both his vocal skill and deep emotion.
Judge Lionel Richie called him “a once-in-a-generation soul,” while Carrie Underwood described Jamal’s voice as “a gift wrapped in truth.”
What’s Next for Jamal:
With the win, Jamal scores a record deal, a cash prize, and a huge platform to launch what many expect will be a long, successful music career.
Before the big announcement, Jamal said:
“Win or lose, I already feel like a champion. Standing here, singing my truth, and having people listen—that means everything. Thank you for believing in me. And baby girl, Daddy did this for you.”
Now, Jamal leaves the American Idol stage not just as a winner, but as a true champion in the hearts of his daughter and the entire country.
