Season 23 of American Idol officially wrapped on Sunday, May 18, with a finale that had everything: emotional performances, surprise guests, dramatic eliminations—and a winner who left viewers deeply moved. After a three-hour live broadcast, host Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal Roberts as the 2025 American Idol champion, narrowly beating out fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix in what became the most-voted finale in the show’s history.
Roberts closed out the night with a heartfelt rendition of “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton, a performance that captured the essence of his journey: raw, soulful, and deeply personal. The 48-year-old Mississippi native, who worked as an elementary school gym teacher before stepping onto the Idol stage, posted an emotional message on Instagram after the show, thanking everyone who believed in him.
“From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol,” Roberts wrote. “This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream. Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”
Roberts made headlines earlier in the season when he quietly welcomed a new daughter during the competition. “It was so personal to me, I did not share it,” he said on the May 5 episode. “But I have a healthy, beautiful baby girl that was born today.” His devotion to family and faith, combined with his natural musicality, quickly endeared him to both the judges and America.
From his show-stopping audition performance of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” Roberts brought a uniquely southern soulfulness that judges praised all season long. “Was it perfect? Was it flawless? No,” Luke Bryan said at the time. “But you’re not trying to sing it perfectly and flawless. You’re just singing it from the heart. And that’s what I felt.”
As the season progressed, Bryan even predicted Roberts might win, telling him during the semi-finals on May 12 that he had a “gut feeling” about his rise to the top. After the finale, Bryan followed up on Instagram, writing, “What a way to close out the season! Congrats.”
Carrie Underwood, who made her judging debut this season on the 20th anniversary of her own Idol win, also celebrated Roberts with an emotional tribute: “Congratulations to the newest winner of @americanidol!!! I’m so proud of @officialjamalroberts and all he has accomplished this season and I can’t wait to see what mountains he climbs next! He’s going to do great things!”
The finale wasn’t without its controversies and surprises—Jessica Simpson made a return to the Idol stage after 15 years, and the elimination of John Foster shocked many who had pegged the 18-year-old as the season’s likely winner. Still, the night belonged to Roberts, whose story of resilience and passion captured the hearts of millions.
Now, with a recording contract and a national platform, Jamal Roberts begins a new chapter. “This isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning,” he wrote. “From the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all.”
So, what did you think of the results? Did the right contestant take home the crown? Let us know in the comments.
