May 19, 2025 – The curtains have closed on another electrifying season of American Idol, and the nation has spoken. In a record-breaking finale that saw over 26 million votes cast, Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, was named the American Idol winner 2025. The three-hour American Idol finale 2025, hosted by Ryan Seacrest and broadcast live on ABC, captivated audiences with stellar performances, emotional moments, and a star-studded lineup of guest artists. This news story delves into the details of the American Idol finale, the journey of Jamal Roberts American Idol victory, the performances of finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix, and the intricacies of American Idol voting 2025. Additionally, we explore what the American Idol winner gets, how to watch American Idol live, and the legacy of American Idol winners.
The Road to the American Idol Finale 2025
American Idol Season 23, which premiered on March 2, 2025, was a whirlwind of talent, emotion, and unforgettable performances. With judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan at the helm, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, the season showcased a diverse pool of contestants vying for the coveted title. The competition, which began with thousands of hopefuls auditioning across the United States, narrowed down to the American Idol finalists: Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix.
The American Idol finale aired live coast-to-coast on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. ET to 11:00 p.m. ET on ABC. Fans were encouraged to participate in American Idol voting through multiple platforms, including americanidol.com/vote, the American Idol app, and text messaging. The live voting window, a hallmark of the show, allowed viewers to cast up to 30 votes per finalist (10 votes per method) to determine who won American Idol 2025.
As the finale approached, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Social media buzzed with predictions about who wins American Idol 2025, with fans rallying behind their favorites using hashtags like #AmericanIdol and #JamalRoberts. The question on everyone’s mind was: Who won American Idol last night?
Jamal Roberts: The American Idol Winner 2025
In a moment that will be etched in American Idol history, Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal Roberts as the winner of American Idol 2025. The announcement, met with a shower of confetti and tears of joy, marked the culmination of Roberts’ remarkable journey. A native of Meridian, MS, Roberts, a father of three daughters, including a newborn named Gianna, captured hearts with his soulful voice, dynamic stage presence, and inspiring story.
Roberts, who teaches physical education at a local elementary school, is no stranger to perseverance. This season marked his third attempt at American Idol, having faced rejection in prior auditions. “I didn’t get defeated. I never gave up,” Roberts told Billboard in April 2025. His audition, a soulful rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” earned unanimous praise from the American Idol judges 2025, setting the stage for his rise to stardom.
During the finale, Roberts delivered two standout performances. First, he sang “First Time” by Teeks, a song he had previously performed on TikTok, showcasing his ability to infuse indie tracks with soulful flair. His second performance, The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” was a masterclass in vocal control and stage charisma. Judge Carrie Underwood praised his versatility, noting, “You can sing things that are contemporary and it fits.” Luke Bryan added, “Everything about you is a star.”
Following his win, Roberts performed his new single, “Heal”, a powerful ballad that resonated with audiences. He also sang Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” to celebrate his victory, surrounded by fellow contestants and his emotional family. The victory was historic, as Roberts became the first Black male to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003.
Jamal Roberts’ Personal Life: Wife and Family
Fans curious about Jamal Roberts American Idol wife and family have been eager for details. While Roberts has kept much of his personal life private, he has shared that he is a devoted father to three daughters. His youngest, Gianna, was just nine days old at the time of the finale, and Roberts expressed his excitement to return to Meridian, Mississippi to reunite with her. Whether Jamal Roberts is married remains unconfirmed in public records, as he has not explicitly discussed a Jamal Roberts wife. However, his focus on fatherhood and his students underscores his commitment to family and community.
John Foster: The Runner-Up with Country Charm
John Foster, an 18-year-old college freshman from Addis, Louisiana, secured the runner-up position in the American Idol top 2. Known for his classic country vocals and charismatic stage presence, Foster won over fans with his “aw, shucks” appeal and versatility. His journey was particularly notable given that judge Luke Bryan initially voted “no” during his audition, a decision Bryan later acknowledged as a misstep.
In the finale, Foster performed Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” both chosen by American Idol’s artist-in-residence, Jelly Roll. His performances were heartfelt, with Carrie Underwood commenting, “Great song choice. Everybody at home was singing.” Foster also debuted his new single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her”, a poignant country ballad that showcased his potential as a future star.
Despite not winning, Foster expressed gratitude for his American Idol experience. “This journey has given me exactly what I need to make a successful career in country music,” he said. Fans and analysts, including those tracking John Foster American Idol odds, predict a bright future for the young singer, with comparisons to country legends like George Strait.
Breanna Nix: The Heartfelt Third-Place Finalist
Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas, placed third in the American Idol finale 2025. Her journey was marked by emotional performances and a deep connection with judge Carrie Underwood, who saw echoes of her own American Idol experience in Nix. Breanna Nix American Idol age and her relatable backstory as a mother resonated with viewers, making her a fan favorite.
Nix’s finale performances included Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” and Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” Her rendition of “The Climb” was particularly moving, with Luke Bryan noting, “I felt like I just watched a six-minute movie.” Despite her elimination halfway through the finale, Nix remained gracious, stating, “I feel 100% peace and 100% satisfaction.” She also debuted her Breanna Nix new song, which highlighted her gospel and country influences.
American Idol Voting: How America Chose the Winner
American Idol voting 2025 played a pivotal role in determining who won American Idol tonight. The voting process was designed to be accessible and engaging, with three methods available:
- Online Voting: Fans could visit americanidol.com vote or american idol.com/vote and log in with an ABC account to cast up to 10 votes per finalist.
- American Idol App: Available on iOS and Android, the app allowed users to vote 10 times per finalist after signing in.
- Text Voting: Viewers could text the contestant’s voting number (e.g., 12 for Jamal Roberts, 9 for Breanna Nix) to 21523, with a limit of 10 votes per finalist. Standard text rates applied.
The American Idol vote window opened at the start of the live broadcast at 8:00 p.m. ET and closed near the end of the show. Votes were tallied by an independent third party to ensure fairness, with duplicate or automated votes disqualified. The massive turnout—over 26 million votes, double the previous year’s finale—underscored the passion of American Idol fans.
For those wondering how to vote for American Idol 2025, the process was straightforward but required quick action, as real-time voting meant fans had to act fast to support their favorites. Posts on X, such as one from @AmericanIdol, encouraged voting for Jamal Roberts with the message, “Text 12 to 21523.”
What Does the American Idol Winner Get?
The American Idol winner 2025 receives a life-changing prize package that includes:
- Recording Contract: A deal with Hollywood Records, providing the opportunity to release professional music.
- Cash Prize: Historically ranging from $125,000 to $250,000, though exact figures for 2025 were not disclosed.
- Industry Exposure: Performances at major network events, potential brand endorsements, and touring opportunities.
- Mentorship: Guidance from industry professionals to navigate the music industry.
For Jamal Roberts, the win means a chance to balance his music career with his passion for teaching. “I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids,” he told USA Today. He plans to continue inspiring his students while pursuing music full-time.
The Star-Studded American Idol Finale Performers
The American Idol finale 2025 was a spectacle, featuring performances by music legends and rising stars. Guest artists included Patti LaBelle, Good Charlotte, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Jessica Simpson, Salt-N-Pepa, Myles Smith, Kirk Franklin, The War and Treaty, PJ Morton, and Jennifer Holliday. Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie also took the stage, with Underwood delivering a nostalgic performance reminiscent of her 2005 Carrie Underwood American Idol days.
Jelly Roll, the season’s artist-in-residence, mentored the finalists and performed alongside them. Notable pairings included John Foster with Luke Bryan on Randy Travis’ “Deeper Than the Holler” and Jamal Roberts with Jelly Roll. The American Idol finale performers added glamour and excitement, making the event feel like “appointment television,” as one TVLine commenter noted.
How to Watch American Idol Live
For those wondering how to watch American Idol live or where to watch American Idol, the finale was broadcast on ABC and available for streaming on platforms like Hulu (next-day streaming), Sling TV, and ABC streaming services. Viewers could also access the American Idol live stream through the ABC ABC American Idol website or the American Idol app. For international viewers or those without cable, services like Sling TV offered live access to ABC.
Fans curious about what time is American Idol on tonight or what time does American Idol come on tonight could tune in at 8:00 p.m. ET. The American Idol finale ran for three hours, ending around 11:00 p.m. ET. Those wondering how long is American Idol on tonight or what time does American Idol end tonight could plan for a full evening of entertainment.
The Legacy of American Idol Winners
American Idol has launched the careers of numerous stars, from Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino. The show’s ability to discover raw talent and provide a platform for aspiring artists remains unmatched. Jamal Roberts joins this prestigious lineage, following in the footsteps of 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson and 2023 winner Iam Tongi.
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The American Idol winners list is a testament to the show’s impact, with many alumni achieving commercial success. For Jamal Roberts, the win is just the beginning, as he aims to “bring love and peace and unity” to his community in Meridian, MS, through his music.
Looking Ahead: American Idol Season 24
American Idol has been renewed for a 24th season, expected to premiere in February or March 2026. While details about the judges and premiere date remain under wraps, the show’s enduring popularity ensures its return. Auditions for the next season are already open, inviting a new wave of talent to chase their dreams.
For now, fans are celebrating Jamal Roberts as the idol winner 2025, with posts on X praising his “butter-smooth” voice and magnetic presence. As one user wrote, “He’s had me glued to the TV every performance.” The American Idol 2025 season may be over, but its impact will resonate for years to come.
FAQs
Who won American Idol 2025?
Jamal Roberts was crowned the American Idol winner 2025 on May 18, 2025, during the Season 23 finale.
How can I vote for American Idol?
Fans can vote via americanidol.com/vote, the American Idol app, or by texting the contestant’s number to 21523. Up to 10 votes per method are allowed per finalist.
What does the American Idol winner get?
The winner receives a recording contract with Hollywood Records, a cash prize (typically $125,000–$250,000), industry exposure, and mentorship opportunities.
Where can I watch American Idol live?
American Idol airs live on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu, Sling TV, or the ABC website. Check local listings for exact times.
Who were the American Idol 2025 finalists?
The American Idol finalists were Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix.
Is Jamal Roberts married?
Jamal Roberts has not publicly confirmed whether he is married, but he is a father to three daughters.
