When Ryan Seacrest announced the winner of American Idol Season 23 at the end of a three-hour, star-studded finale on May 18, 2025, it sent shock waves across America.
Many fans were joyfully stunned that their favorite contestant — 27-year-old dad of three and P.E. teacher Jamal Roberts — won the competition, while others couldn’t believe the winner wasn’t one of their favorites, 18-year-old country crooner John Foster or 25-year-old stay-at-home mom Breanna Nix, who took third place.
Although Roberts had a lot of momentum heading into the finale, having drawn a crowd of 20,000 people during his hometown visit to Meridian, Mississippi, many fans still expected to be disappointed. After all, a Black male contestant hadn’t won American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. That long stretch left many viewers unsure of what to expect from the final vote.
However, once Roberts’ name was called, fans flooded social media with an outpouring of joy and disbelief. One person wrote, “Yes, yessssssdss❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏, America got it right this time. Am soooooo happy congratulations Jamal 🎊 👏 💐, you deserve this 🏆.” Another commenter shared a deeply emotional response, saying, “The way my WHOLE HOUSE leapt to our feet, cheering, clapping, and crying. T
he most special moment for me was my 16-year-old son smiling when he saw you holding your girls. You’re more than a singer, you’re an example, you’re what America doesn’t get to see – a Black man who is a father, an educator, a God-fearing man. The singing is your calling, but your gift is who you are. THAT is why you are the American Idol!!! Proud of you, young Brother. Keep up the great work.”
Another thrilled fan wrote, “I feel like we all did our part 🥂👏🏾 And to see you Win #AMERICANIDOL is something we all wish, hope and pray for!!! When I tell you the world is celebrating you 🎉🎉🎉 You deserved this WIN‼️ The way I got a tab bit emotional 😭 I didn’t know which direction I was going to fall during the moment he was going to say the winner! Either on my back or my face!!!! I’m sooooo happy for you and everyone that supported you from the very beginning!”
Even Roberts himself appeared overwhelmed by the moment, leaning back and covering his face after hearing his name announced as the winner. Later, he fell to the ground in joy, a moment captured in a photo shared by Seacrest on Instagram.
While the vast majority of social media reactions were celebratory, not everyone was satisfied with the final result. Fans of John Foster and Breanna Nix also made their voices heard. Foster, ever gracious, posted a thank-you message soon after the show ended, expressing gratitude to his supporters and the Idol team.
Despite his positive tone, many of his fans were disappointed by the outcome. One fan commented, “You were robbed!!!! You definitely should’ve won and I can’t wait to see what you give us in the future! ❤️❤️” Another added, “I’m shocked you did not win. You have an incredible voice and I can’t wait to see what you do next. God bless you and your family. You’re a winner in my book. God be the Glory!! You have a fan for life.”
Fans of Breanna Nix — who affectionately call themselves “Nix Nation” — were also stunned to see her finish in third place. Though many shared encouraging messages on her heartfelt gratitude post during the finale, others voiced their frustration. One wrote, “Just want to get this off my chest…you were ROBBED!!! You did amazing! That ‘In Jesus Name’ had me weeping … can’t wait to see where you go from here! ⭐️” Another said, “Something isn’t right, no way you were voted off. The other two are great, but you were unmatched.”
As the dust settles from this unforgettable season, one thing is certain: the passion of the American Idol fan base is alive and well, and the journeys of Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix are only just beginning.
