After months of fierce competition and more than 120,000 hopefuls auditioning for a shot at music stardom, Jamal Roberts has officially been named the winner of American Idol Season 23.
The live, three-hour finale on May 18, 2025, brought together finalists Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix for one final night of powerhouse performances and emotional moments. Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie were all on hand for the star-studded event, as millions of viewers across the country tuned in to cast their votes during the live broadcast.
THE FIRST RESULTS:
Midway through the night, after electrifying solo and group performances, host Ryan Seacrest took the stage to reveal who would not be advancing to the Top 2. The tension was palpable as he announced:
“The first person to take a spot in the Top 2 after the nationwide vote is John Foster… The final person still in the running to be your American Idol is… Jamal Roberts.”
That meant Breanna Nix, a fan-favorite and vocal powerhouse, finished the season in third place — sparking both praise and protest from passionate viewers online.
THE WINNER ANNOUNCED:
Voting closed during the commercial break before the final results. When the show returned, Seacrest revealed the staggering number of votes cast — 26 million, more than double the amount from the 2024 finale.
Then, the moment fans had been waiting for.
“The winner of American Idol Season 23 is… JAMAL ROBERTS!”
The audience erupted in applause as Roberts was overcome with emotion. The soulful singer, known for his rich vocals and heartfelt performances, fell to his knees as confetti rained down and his daughter — his inspiration throughout the season — watched proudly from the front row.
JAMAL’S JOURNEY TO IDOL GLORY:
Roberts’ road to victory was marked by emotional storytelling and undeniable soul. A single father who frequently dedicated performances to his daughter, Roberts quickly became a fan favorite for blending gospel roots with mainstream appeal. Performances like “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Stand By Me,” and his finale-week original song showed both technical mastery and deep emotional resonance.
Lionel Richie once called him “a once-in-a-generation soul,” while Carrie Underwood described his voice as “a gift wrapped in truth.”
NEXT STEPS FOR JAMAL ROBERTS:
As the newly crowned winner, Roberts will receive a record deal, a cash prize, and a platform to launch what fans and critics alike predict will be a lasting career in music.
In his final words before the announcement, Roberts said:
“Whether I win or not, I already feel like a champion. To stand here, sing my truth, and have people listen — that means everything. Thank you for believing in me. And baby girl, Daddy did this for you.”
Now, he walks off the Idol stage not just a champion in his daughter’s eyes — but a champion in the eyes of America.
