American Idol 2025 Finale: Jamal Roberts Wins Season 23
LOS ANGELES — The 2025 “American Idol” finale on May 18 finally crowned its winner. Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Mississippi, took home the title after earning the majority of the 26 million votes cast by fans. His victory is especially historic as he became the first Black male winner of “American Idol” since Ruben Studdard won in 2003. Jamal performed Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” as his winner’s song, joined by the Top 14 contestants in celebration.
The Runner-Up Contestants: John Foster and Breanna Nix
While Jamal took the crown, John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runners-up, with Breanna’s elimination occurring midway through the finale. Despite her early exit, Breanna’s performances throughout the season made her a fan favorite. The finale was a star-studded event, with top musical guests like Salt-N-Pepa, Jessica Simpson, and Good Charlotte. Jamal performed alongside Jelly Roll, John took the stage with Luke Bryan, and Breanna partnered with Brandon Lake.
Jamal Roberts’ Journey: Overcoming Challenges
Jamal’s path to victory was filled with obstacles. During his audition, Carrie Underwood told him to loosen up and find his “swagger,” advice that resonated throughout the season. Initially, Jamal struggled with self-doubt over his song choices during Hollywood Week. However, as the competition went on, Jamal found his voice and became a standout performer. His versions of “Shout, Pts. 1 & 2” by the Isley Brothers, Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” and “Beauty and the Beast” were crowd favorites. Lionel Richie frequently praised Jamal for his “heaven-sent” talent, referring to him as “divinely guided” throughout the season.
What’s Next for Jamal: Family and Music
After winning, Jamal expressed his excitement to return to Meridian, Mississippi, to see his daughter, Gianna, who was just nine days old at the time. Although he is turning his attention to music, Jamal emphasized that teaching will always be part of his life. He spoke about how teaching wasn’t about the money but about the inspiration he found in his students. “If I could go back every now and then to be part of something, I plan to do that,” he said.
The Judges’ Nerves: Ryan Seacrest’s Big Reveal
The moment of suspense leading up to the winner’s announcement was felt by the judges, too. Lionel Richie confessed that he could barely handle the tension, joking about how “rude” it was when Ryan Seacrest paused before revealing the winner. Carrie Underwood also expressed her nerves, recalling the emotional anticipation she felt during her own victory on the show. “My heart was pounding,” Underwood shared, reflecting on the unforgettable moments she experienced on the “American Idol” stage.
Future of ‘American Idol’: Will the Judges Return for Season 24?
With “American Idol” confirmed for a 2026 season, there’s speculation about whether the current judges — Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood — will return for another round. Luke Bryan has yet to engage in official discussions about returning, but he enjoyed his time on the panel. Underwood echoed similar sentiments, saying she loved the experience but wasn’t sure about returning for another season. Executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that Season 24 preparations are already underway, with thousands of submissions already in. “We’ve got a whole new season ahead, a blank canvas,” she said, expressing excitement for the new chapter of the show.
Recap of ‘American Idol’ Season 23: A Look Back at the Competition
Season 23 of “American Idol” started with 144 contestants from auditions held in Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and first-time judge Carrie Underwood sifted through the hopefuls to form the Top 24. From there, viewers took over, voting week after week to determine who would continue. The final five contestants, which included Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis, captivated audiences with their talents.
Abi Carter, last season’s winner, went on to release her debut album “Ghosts in the Backyard” after winning the platinum ticket. As for Jamal, his victory has now opened new doors in the music industry, and his fans can’t wait to see what comes next. With the success of Season 23 and the promise of more to come, “American Idol” remains one of the most exciting music competitions on television.
