Jamal Roberts has been officially declared the winner of American Idol Season 23, achieving a historic milestone in the long-running and beloved singing competition.
The 23rd season of American Idol premiered on March 2, 2025, airing on ABC and featuring an esteemed panel of judges including Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. The show has continued to captivate audiences nationwide with its exciting mix of talented contestants and engaging performances.
In the highly anticipated finale held on May 18, 2025, and hosted by veteran presenter Ryan Seacrest, Jamal Roberts emerged victorious over fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix. The finale attracted a massive viewership, with over 27 million votes cast by fans across the country, surpassing the total votes recorded in the previous season.
As part of his prize for winning the competition, Roberts will be awarded a recording contract with Hollywood Records. This deal includes an initial signing advance estimated at $125,000, an additional $100,000 payment upon the successful completion of his debut album, as well as a generous recording budget of up to $300,000 to support his music production and promotion efforts.
Jamal Roberts’ win is particularly significant as it marks him as the second Black male artist to win American Idol in 22 years, following in the footsteps of Ruben Studdard, who won the competition in Season 2. This achievement is celebrated as a breakthrough moment for representation and diversity in the show’s history.
In a personal note, Roberts, who is a proud father of three daughters, had recently shared the joyous news of the birth of his youngest child shortly before the finale, adding an extra layer of happiness to his remarkable journey on the show.
Watch the video below to see Jamal Roberts’ winning moment and highlights from the finale…