When Jelly Roll and Jamal Roberts hit the American Idol stage during Sunday night’s finale, they had no idea Roberts was just an hour away from being named the Season 23 champion. But you’d never know it from their performance—it was electric.
As they wrapped up their powerful duet, Jelly Roll, this season’s artist-in-residence, bowed down playfully to Roberts. It was a lighthearted yet meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about their mutual respect—and fans loved it.
A Star-Packed Night to Remember
The finale wasn’t short on big names and surprises. Roberts and Jelly Roll delivered a heartfelt medley of “Liar” and “Unpretty,” both from Jelly Roll’s 2024 album Beautifully Broken. The emotional performance became one of the evening’s standout moments.
Jelly Roll has been a steady mentor for Roberts since Hollywood Week, helping shape his journey and confidence along the way. That mentorship was on full display as Roberts commanded the stage with passion and purpose.
More Memorable Collaborations
Roberts wasn’t the only finalist with a high-profile duet. Breanna Nix teamed up with Brandon Lake for “Daddy’s DNA,” and John Foster joined forces with Luke Bryan on a performance of “Deeper Than the Holler.” Each duet brought something special to the show, but in the end, it was Roberts who stole the spotlight.
Roberts’ Road to Victory
Throughout the night, Roberts proved why he deserved the title with three show-stopping solo performances:
“First Time” by TEEKS
“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
“Heal” by Tom Odell
Those powerful performances, paired with his moving duet, helped secure his win in what host Ryan Seacrest called the most-voted finale since Idol moved to ABC in 2018. Over 26 million votes were cast—more than double last season’s total.
With his blend of soul, heart, and grit, Jamal Roberts didn’t just win American Idol—he won the hearts of fans across the country.
