When Jelly Roll and Jamal Roberts took the stage together during Sunday night’s episode of American Idol, neither performer knew that Roberts was just an hour away from being crowned the Season 23 winner.
But that didn’t stop Jelly Roll, the country-rap artist and this season’s artist-in-residence, from playfully bowing down to Roberts after their electric duet—a sign of mutual respect that resonated with viewers.
A Finale Full of Stars and Surprises
Their joint performance was one of the standout moments in a star-studded finale that featured guest appearances from Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, and Jessica Simpson, among others. Together, Jelly Roll and Roberts performed the songs “Liar” and “Unpretty,” both tracks from Jelly Roll’s 2024 album Beautifully Broken.
Jelly Roll has been a guiding presence throughout the season, mentoring Roberts and other contestants since Hollywood Week, one of the
show’s most crucial phases. His influence was evident in the confidence and emotion that Roberts brought to the stage Sunday night.
Other Duets of the Night
Roberts wasn’t the only finalist to share the stage with a special guest. Fellow top-three contestant Breanna Nix sang “Daddy’s DNA” alongside Brandon Lake, while John Foster teamed up with judge Luke Bryan to perform “Deeper Than the Holler.”
Despite strong showings from all three finalists, it was Roberts who ultimately won over America.
Jamal Roberts’ Winning Setlist
Roberts delivered powerful solo performances throughout the night, including:
- “First Time” by TEEKS
- “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
- “Heal” by Tom Odell
These performances helped solidify his victory in what turned out to be a historic finale, with over 26 million votes cast—more than twice the number from last year’s final episode. According to host Ryan Seacrest, it was the biggest finale vote since American Idol began airing on ABC in 2018.
