The powerful connection between Jelly Roll and Jamal Roberts lit up the American Idol stage during the Season 23 finale — delivering a performance that many fans are calling the emotional high point of the night.

As the show inched closer to revealing this year’s winner, Jelly Roll, the genre-bending country/rap star and Season 23’s official artist-in-residence, joined finalist Jamal Roberts for a show-stopping duet that brought the audience to their feet.

Together, they performed “Liar” and “Unpretty,” two standout tracks from Jelly Roll’s 2024 album Beautifully Broken. The performance was rich with chemistry, soul, and mutual respect — culminating in Jelly Roll playfully bowing to Roberts, a gesture that, in hindsight, foreshadowed Roberts’ victory later that night.

From Mentor to Moment: Jelly Roll and Roberts Share the Spotlight

Jelly Roll’s mentorship of Jamal Roberts has been one of the most talked-about relationships of the season. Beginning during Hollywood Week, the artist guided Roberts through the emotional and technical challenges of the competition, helping the 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Mississippi develop his voice, confidence, and stage presence.

That growth was on full display during the finale. Jelly Roll’s proud expressions throughout the duet made it clear: this was more than a performance — it was a celebration of a journey they had taken together.

A Star-Studded Finale — But Roberts Took the Crown

The finale featured major performances from guest stars like Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, and Jessica Simpson. The remaining finalists also shared the stage with celebrity guests:

Breanna Nix performed “Daddy’s DNA” with Brandon Lake
John Foster sang “Deeper Than the Holler” with judge Luke Bryan

Still, it was Jamal Roberts who stole the night, earning the title of American Idol 2025 winner after delivering solo performances of:

“First Time” by TEEKS
“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
“Heal” by Tom Odell

Host Ryan Seacrest later revealed that over 26 million votes were cast, more than doubling last season’s total and making it the most-watched and most-voted finale since the show moved to ABC in 2018.

Watch their duet below.

The Duet That Meant More Than Music

While many moments defined the night, the Jelly Roll–Jamal Roberts duet stood out for its emotion, mentorship, and sense of arrival. For fans who have followed Roberts’ journey from audition to crown, that performance symbolized just how far he’s come — and the star he’s becoming.