The stage is set, the votes are in, and on Sunday, May 18, Ryan Seacrest will crown the winner of American Idol Season 23. The Top 3 finalists — John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix — have each delivered unforgettable performances, earning their way into the hearts of millions. Now, it’s time to see who takes home the title.
While fans overwhelmingly agree that this season was one of the best yet (56.56% gave it an A rating), the final outcome is still a nail-biter. Let’s dive into the final rankings, fan polls, performance stats, and predictions.
Final Fan Poll: Who WILL Win American Idol 2025?
- John Foster – 53.64%
- Jamal Roberts – 34.38%
- Breanna Nix – 11.98%
Final Fan Poll: Who SHOULD Win American Idol 2025?
- Jamal Roberts – 44.96%
- John Foster – 39.71%
- Breanna Nix – 15.32%
Breanna Nix: The Soulful Survivor
Breanna Nix has journeyed from self-doubt to the big stage, captivating fans with her powerful vocals and vulnerability. Known for her gospel roots, she’s also proven she can handle pop, country, and R&B with ease. Her vocal range is astonishing, stretching into near-whistle tones. Though a couple of song choices didn’t land perfectly, her authenticity and vocal prowess earned her a well-deserved spot in the Top 3.
Still, when it comes to social media traction and fan votes, Breanna lags behind her competitors. That likely means a third-place finish. But don’t count her out — the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) world is probably already knocking on her door.
Jamal Roberts: The Triple Threat Performer
A physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, Jamal Roberts has been a fan favorite from the jump. Judge Luke Bryan even said he had a “gut feeling” Jamal would win. Jamal’s edge lies in his ability to seamlessly blend vocal excellence with commanding stage presence. He doesn’t just sing — he performs, reinvents, and captivates.
Jamal’s versions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Change Is Gonna Come” have earned millions of views. He’s got charisma, creative arrangements, and serious vocal range. With 44.96% of fans saying he should win, he’s clearly a serious contender. In fact, if anyone can stage a surprise upset, it’s Jamal.
JOHN FOSTER – 53.64%: The Country Star in the Making
At just 18, John Foster has skyrocketed from dark horse to frontrunner. He may not boast the widest vocal range in the Top 3, but his tone is smooth, distinct, and tailor-made for country radio. That voice, paired with undeniable charm and relatability, has made him the most liked contestant of the season.
Even Carrie Underwood has shown support, calling him a “diamond in the rough” with potential to become a true country star. His performance of “Believe” racked up 2.2 million views on Facebook — the most of any contestant this season. In comparison, Jamal’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” brought in 1.3 million.
With a track record of country singers doing well on Idol (Laine Hardy, Chayce Beckham, Noah Thompson), John is positioned to follow in their footsteps. His future looks bright — and Nashville is already watching.
Performance Stats: Facebook Views Breakdown
Top 5 Night
- Jamal Roberts – “Beauty and the Beast” – 1.1M
- John Foster – “Rainbow Connection” – 833.6K
- John Foster – “The Bare Necessities” – 765.3K
- Jamal Roberts – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – 415.2K
- Breanna Nix – “You’ll Be in My Heart” – 162.2K
- Breanna Nix – “This Will Be” – 157.2K
Top 7 Night
- John Foster – “Believe” – 2.2M
- Jamal Roberts – “A Change is Gonna Come” – 1.3M
- John Foster – “Almost There” – 392.3K
- Jamal Roberts – “Go the Distance” – 403.6K
- Breanna Nix – “Like My Mother Does” – 313.6K
- Breanna Nix – “Reflection” – 192.8K
Fans on the Top 5 Eliminations
Was anyone robbed at the Top 5 cut?
- Nobody was robbed – 47.12%
- Thunderstorm Artis – 33.20%
- Slater Nalley – 19.69%
Final Prediction: John Foster Will Win
All signs point to John Foster taking the American Idol crown. He’s likeable, marketable, and already has a massive fan base. His voice has a timeless country feel, and his charm is undeniable. Plus, he has the genre advantage — male country singers have a solid track record on Idol.
That said, Jamal Roberts is hot on his heels. He’s a dynamic performer and arguably the best entertainer in the Top 3. The finale will come down to fan loyalty, performance night execution, and last-minute votes.
Prediction:
- 1st Place – John Foster
- 2nd Place – Jamal Roberts
- 3rd Place – Breanna Nix
What to Expect on Finale Night
A star-studded lineup will take the stage for the three-hour finale, including:
- Patti LaBelle
- Good Charlotte
- Goo Goo Dolls
- Josh Groban
- Brandon Lake
- Jessica Simpson
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Myles Smith
- Kirk Franklin
- The War and Treaty
- PJ Morton
- Jennifer Holliday
Plus, judge performances by Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie — and duets from past contestants:
- Gabby Samone with Jennifer Holliday
- Thunderstorm Artis with The War and Treaty
- Kolbi Jordan with Patti LaBelle
Don’t miss the big night. The music, the surprises, and the moment the winner is revealed — it’s all coming this Sunday.
