Jamal Roberts Crowned Winner of ‘American Idol’ Season 23
Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old elementary school P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, won Season 23 of American Idol, which concluded on May 18, 2025. He triumphed over finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix, securing the highest vote count in the show’s history—26 million votes.
Throughout the season, Roberts captivated audiences with his soulful and versatile performances, earning praise from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. His emotional rendition of “First Time” by Teeks during the finale brought Jelly Roll, the season’s Artist in Residence, to tears. In the finale, Roberts performed “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton, showcasing his vocal prowess and emotional depth.
The finale also featured a group performance of “We Are the Champions” and musical numbers by guest artists like Patti LaBelle and Salt-N-Pepa. Roberts closed the show with a heartfelt performance, joined by his wife and daughters on stage.
With his victory, Jamal Roberts has embarked on a promising music career, marking a significant milestone in his journey from a classroom teacher to a national star.
In a season marked by powerful performances and emotional storytelling, Jamal Roberts emerged as the winner of American Idol Season 23, clinching the title in a finale that captivated audiences nationwide. The 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, triumphed over fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix, securing a record-breaking 26 million votes—the highest in the show’s history since its move to ABC in 2018 .
A Journey Fueled by Heart and Soul
Roberts’ journey to the American Idol stage began with a heartfelt audition where he performed an original song, “First Light,” written for his 6-year-old daughter. The judges were moved by his emotional delivery and storytelling, with Lionel Richie describing the performance as “a modern-day classic” .
Throughout the competition, Roberts showcased his versatility by tackling a diverse range of genres, from Motown classics to contemporary hits. His rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar” stood out as a defining moment of the season. Performing the song in front of the artist himself, Roberts’ raw and soulful interpretation left both the audience and judges in tears. Jelly Roll praised Roberts, stating, “This is Jamal’s song now” .
Finale Highlights and Personal Triumph
The grand finale, aired on May 18, featured a group performance of “We Are the Champions” and individual sets by the finalists. Roberts’ final performance of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” was a testament to his growth and emotional depth throughout the competition .
Beyond his musical talents, Roberts’ personal story resonated with viewers. A devoted father to three daughters, he announced the birth of his third child, Gianna Grace, during the Top 8 show, sharing the joyous news with his fans .
Looking Ahead
With his victory, Jamal Roberts has embarked on a promising music career. His debut single, “Light Me Up,” co-written during the competition, was released immediately after the finale and is already climbing the charts on Spotify and Apple Music. A tour and debut album are reportedly in the works, with sources hinting at a collaboration with judge Carrie Underwood herself .
Roberts’ journey from a classroom teacher to a national star serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with passion, authenticity, and dedication, dreams can indeed come true.