With a voice full of soul and a presence that felt like home, Jamal Roberts left an unforgettable mark on the American Idol Season 23 finale. In one of the night’s most moving moments—a tender behind-the-scenes cut—Roberts sang TEEKS’ “First Time” a cappella. The stripped-down performance brought fellow contestant and mentor Jelly Roll to tears, visibly overwhelmed by the raw emotion in Roberts’ delivery.
It was a moment that reminded viewers what the show is really about: heart, honesty, and connection.
Roberts has stood out all season, not just for his vocal power, but for the way he tells a story with every note. His rendition of “First Time” during the finale cemented what fans had been saying for weeks—that Jamal wasn’t just competing, he was ministering. His tone was pure, his delivery effortless, and his message clear.
Carrie Underwood praised the performance, saying, “You just feel so comfortable and sound so comfortable, and it sounds so good.” Luke Bryan added with a grin, “Will you teach me how to be that smooth?” Lionel Richie, always one to spot sincerity, called it “brilliant form,” applauding Jamal’s storytelling ability.
Later that night, Roberts lit up the stage once again with a lively take on The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).” The judges couldn’t help but marvel again—Underwood highlighting his ability to refresh a classic, Bryan calling him “one of the most amazing people I’ve ever seen on this show,” and Richie simply declaring him “divinely guided.”
In the lead-up to the finale, Roberts released his debut single, a stirring cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal.” The emotional track had already earned him a standing ovation when he performed it live on April 28, and it quickly soared to No. 1 on the iTunes chart following the finale. The performance—and the song—were a reminder of why America had fallen in love with him.
In a quiet moment before showtime, Jamal reflected on what the journey had meant to him. “Tonight is a big night. We’ve worked hard for this,” he told fans. “This is going to be smooth sailing, y’all. We’re at the end of the road.” He also offered some simple but powerful advice: “Don’t second-guess yourself. Oh man, second-guessing can cause a lot of stress. Go with your first mind. Anything that you do, do your best.”
That grounded spirit carried him through the night—and into the winner’s circle.
On May 18, more than 26 million viewers cast their votes in what became the most-watched Idol finale in recent years. The final three—Jamal Roberts from Mississippi, John Foster from Louisiana, and Breanna Nix from Texas—stood together in one of the most suspenseful moments of the season. When Ryan Seacrest announced Nix as the third-place finalist, the crowd erupted. It was down to Roberts and Foster.
Moments later, Jamal Roberts was named the winner of American Idol Season 23.
After the confetti settled, he embraced his fellow finalists and thanked fans for their love and support. Off-screen, he shared a sweet moment with Breanna Nix that didn’t make the final cut—one that fans are now calling a highlight of the night.
Jamal Roberts becomes the second Mississippian to win American Idol, following Trent Harmon’s Season 15 victory. But for many watching, it wasn’t just a win for Mississippi—it was a win for authenticity, vulnerability, and soul.
And as for what’s next? The newly crowned Idol is headed home to rest, recharge, and hug his newborn baby—before diving headfirst into the next chapter of a career that already feels destined.
