American Idol 2025 Has a New Champion — Congratulations to Jamal Roberts!
This season wrapped with an incredible 26 million votes cast, shattering last year’s total and setting a new record for the show.
Want to relive the magic? 🎤
Scroll down to watch all the finale performances — and don’t miss Video #2, where Jamal Roberts delivers the unforgettable performance that sealed his well-earned win!
After more than 120,000 auditions and weeks of fierce competition, American Idol‘s final night on May 18, 2025, brought together three extraordinary talents: John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix. What followed was a three-hour live broadcast that broke records, lit up social media, and reminded the world why Idol remains America’s most powerful platform for discovering future icons.
Round One: Passion, Dedication, and Heartfelt Performances
The finale opened with all three finalists joining the Top 14 to perform Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” setting the tone for a night of inspiration. Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie entered in full red-carpet glam, ready to witness history unfold.
John Foster – “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith
Mentored by Jelly Roll, 18-year-old John Foster delivered a patriotic anthem straight from the heart. With his veteran grandfathers in the crowd, Foster turned the stage into a tribute to service and sacrifice.
“That was the perfect song,” said Richie.
Underwood beamed, “I’m so proud of you for pulling out all the stops.”
Bryan praised his growth: “You’re a different artist now — confident, commanding, and sincere.”
Foster’s final words to America sealed the moment:
“It would be the absolute honor of a lifetime if America thinks this little ol’ boy from Louisiana could be the next American Idol.”
Jamal Roberts – “First Time” by TEEKS
In a performance that brought the judges and viewers to tears, 27-year-old Jamal Roberts stood alone in white and delivered an emotionally charged ballad. Originally discovered singing this very song on TikTok, Roberts’ return to “First Time” was filled with meaning.
Bryan joked, “Can you teach me how to be that smooth?”
Richie added, “You don’t think it — you feel it. And we feel you.”
Jamal’s joy was infectious, his vocal delivery flawless, and his authenticity undeniable.
Breanna Nix – “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” by Katy Nichole
Breanna Nix turned the night into a spiritual experience. Accompanied by mentor Jelly Roll, she performed through tears — her faith anchoring every lyric. Her son, Emerson, sleeping in Underwood’s lap, created a touching full-circle moment that audiences won’t forget.
“Your vulnerability has inspired so many,” said Jelly Roll.
Underwood praised her: “You were born for this.”
Hometown Tributes and Second-Round Highlights
After a brief break, the show took fans to the hometowns of each finalist before returning for their final performances.
John Foster – “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Back in Addis, Louisiana, Foster visited the mother of his late friend Maggie Dunn, then honored her with an emotional hometown concert. His original tribute song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” had the crowd in tears.
Returning to the Idol stage, he delivered a powerful version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
Richie praised his wisdom: “You’re only 18, and you’ve already found your voice.”
Underwood called his homecoming “epic.”
Bryan declared the performance “beautifully executed.”
Jamal Roberts – “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
Roberts’ visit to Meridian, Mississippi was filled with heart. He met his newborn daughter, surprised his P.E. students, and performed at a 20,000-strong hometown concert.
On stage, he brought soul and charisma to a Motown classic.
Underwood said he “makes the old feel new again.”
Bryan marveled: “From teaching to stardom—you’re one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever seen.”
Richie called him “a once-in-a-lifetime artist.”
Breanna Nix – “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
In Denton, Texas, Nix embraced her journey—from a struggling young mom to national finalist. With family, fans, and a custom ice cream flavor in her honor, she celebrated her roots.
Her finale performance of “The Climb” earned a full standing ovation.
Bryan: “You just took me on a journey.”
Richie: “That was flawless and perfectly delivered.”
Underwood: “You are a beautiful, powerful inspiration.”
A Finale to Remember
With millions of live votes cast, the Season 23 finale shattered audience expectations and online engagement records. The outpouring of support, emotion, and admiration from viewers made one thing clear:
Winner Announced – JAMAL ROBERTS
This wasn’t just a finale—it was a celebration of resilience, dreams, and raw talent.
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