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Who Won ‘American Idol’ Season 23? 2025 Winner Revealed After Beating the Odds in Record-Setting Finale
A new singer has been crowned the American Idol season 23 winner after fans participated in the “biggest finale vote in show history.” Life & Style reveals the winner and breaks down their journey to success.
Who Won ‘American Idol’ Season 23?
Jamal Roberts was announced as the winner of American Idol season 23 during the finale on May 18, 2025.
Jamal, who became a fan favorite throughout the competition, not only came out on top – but he broke an American Idol record by receiving 26 million votes from viewers. The winner receives a recording contract and a coveted cash prize.
John Foster was named the runner-up of the season, and Breanna Nix was crowned the third-place winner.
What Song Did Jamal Roberts Sing on the ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Finale?
The Mississippi native blasted his champion vocals to “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton as his final song of the season.
Jamal Roberts.
In addition to his solo, Jamal shared the stage with country rockstar Jelly Roll and the two performed the songs “Liar” and “Unpretty.”
Jamal Roberts Reacts to Winning ‘American Idol’ Season 23
The elementary school P.E. teacher celebrated his win via Instagram alongside a heartfelt message that accompanied a powerful snapshot of himself singing his final song on stage.
“HOWWWW is this even real?!?! I never could’ve imagined this when I first stepped on that stage. From my hometown to this moment right here … I’m your next American Idol,” Jamal captioned the post. “To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything. Now I get to do what I love, with the best in the game, and share my voice with the world. This is my dream … and it’s just the beginning. I love y’all more than words can say. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
‘American Idol’ Judges React to Jamal Roberts Winning Season 23
Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan not only gave their stamps of approval during the televised finale, but they also extended their warm congratulations on their respective Instagram accounts.
The American Idol season 4 winner shared a photo with Jamal for a royal moment on stage.
“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!” Carrie captioned the post.
Luke, for his part, wrapped his arms around Jamal as the proud judge captioned his post, “What a way to close out the season! Congrats @officialjamalroberts!”
A fan shared a great story in the comments section of the “Country Girl” singer’s post, who played a part in Jamal’s big win.
“I was on a flight and the flight attendant came on the speaker and said she was his aunt and asked everyone to get out their phones and vote for Jamal!!” a person wrote. “She was doing that on all her flights!!! lol Congratulations.”
Lionel, who shared his support of Jamal throughout the season, captioned his post, “There you have it! Congrats @officialjamalroberts our next #AmericanIdol.”
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