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

Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23 in a record-breaking finale that drew over 26 million votes, the highest in the show's history. He competed against finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix, delivering standout performances including "Her Heart" by Anthony Hamilton and "Heal," capturing America’s hearts with his soulful voice and heartfelt story. The finale featured guest performances by artists such as Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, and Salt-N-Pepa, and marked Carrie Underwood's first season as a judge, 20 years after winning the show herself. Underwood's reaction to Roberts' final performance sparked controversy among fans, as she sat down while fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan remained standing, leading to accusations of her disapproval. Roberts' victory includes a record deal with Hollywood Records, a $125,000 advance, $100,000 upon album completion, and a $300,000 recording budget, kickstarting his promising musical career. Despite the mixed reactions to the judges, the finale was celebrated as a major success with a historic voting turnout and emotional moments.