Jamal Roberts Wins American Idol Season 23 With Record 26 Million Votes

Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, won Season 23 of American Idol on May 18, 2025, defeating finalists Breanna Nix and John Foster in a highly competitive finale that drew over 26 million votes, the highest since the show moved to ABC. Roberts delivered standout performances including Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart," TEEKS' "First Time," and The Temptations' "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)," earning praise from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie for his talent and storytelling. The finale featured group performances with the top 14 contestants and collaborations with major artists, while Roberts celebrated his victory with a memorable snow angel on stage. Beyond the competition, Roberts shared personal insights about fatherhood, revealing he has three daughters and embraces being a dad despite not being married, crediting his upbringing in church for his musical roots. As the winner, Roberts will receive a record contract with Hollywood Records, including $125,000 upfront and an additional $100,000 upon completing an album, with a recording budget typically reaching $300,000 that must be recouped from future earnings. Throughout the season, Roberts emphasized the importance of confidence and not second-guessing oneself, which helped him navigate the pressures of the contest and ultimately triumph.