Jamal Roberts Wins American Idol 2025!
American Idol Season 23 came to an exciting finish on Sunday Night (May 19th), wrapping up Carrie Underwood’s first season as a judge as 27-year-old Jamal Roberts from Meridian, Mississippi took home the crown over John Foster (runner-up) and Breanna Nix (2nd runner-up). (Read our Recap)
Jamal Roberts is a star with “First Time”
The theme for the first round of the night was the Top 3’s favorite songs in which artist-in-residence and mentor Jelly Roll picked one for each. During his mentor session, Jamal shared, “I did this for them,” talking about his daughters. Jelly Roll picked “First Time” by Teeks for Jamal after he saw him do well with it on Tik Tok. He tells Jamal, “only you can sing an R&B song and get me tearied eye.” It’s always a risk when a singer takes on a tune that is likely unknown to the general public, but this song showcased what Jamal does so well which is soulful runs with passion in a way that feels effortless. Luke Bryan has obviously been rooting for Jamal. He told Jamal after the performance, “everything about you is a star.”
Jamal Returns to Meridian and sings to a 20,000 Person Crowd!
Next fans relived the Top 3’s hometown visits. Jamal returned home to Meridian, Mississippi. He first shared a moment with his family, including his newborn daughter, and his two daughters, Lyrik and Harmoni. He then returned to Crestwood Elementary where he was a Phy-Ed Teacher, and shared a fun day that included bounce houses and a game of kickball. Afterward, he attended a family cookout. Next, the town threw a parade for him. He noted, “The fact that they took time to stand in the parade and walk all the way down to city hall, just for me, that’s love.” At the end of the night, he took the stage at city hall to a whopping 20,000 person crowd. I don’t have the facts on this, but that seemed like one of the larger homecoming crowds in recent history.
For this round, he sang the throwback, “Just My Imagination” by The Temptations. This performance was super pleasing to the ears. It was easy-going as he built dynamics throughout the number. As always, every run felt perfectly placed. A truly flawless performance.
Jamal Makes The Top 2 and Duets with Jelly Roll
After the Top 3 completed these two rounds, host Ryan Seacrest announced results with Breanna Nix coming in 3rd place.
Jamal then shared the stage with Jelly Roll as his celebrity duet partner. They started with the ballad “Unpretty.” Although country-tinged, Jelly Roll’s soulful style is a perfect fit for Jamal’s voice and also showcases how versatile Jamal is. They sounded great together. They go into a second song, “Liar,” which Jamal performed during the Top 24 Hawaii round. This song was the bigger moment between the two. Their voices were explosive and sounded incredible.
Jamal Roberts Performs His Winner’s Single “Heal”
Finally, Jamal and John capped off their journeys singing their potential winner’s singles. For Jamal this meant reprising his viral performance that was his biggest turning point, a cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal.” It’s as impactful as the first time, and this updated version appears to have a new bridge. The song has so much meaning behind it, and every time Jamal performs it, it is chill-inducing. What a moment, once again!
Dim The Lights! Jamal Roberts Wins American Idol 2025!
Finally, it was time to dim the lights and announce the winner as Ryan announced Jamal Roberts the winner of Season 23 of American Idol.
For his victory performance, he reprised the song that made him a frontrunner to many viewers, Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” which he performed during the Idol Arena round for Hollywood Week. As the confetti fell, his fellow top 14 who each got their shining moments on finale night, joined him on stage to celebrate.
Jamal is a worthy winner, and he was the most consistent vocally all season. This also marks a change in the tide with American Idol naming 3 winners in a row that aren’t country singers. Male country singers made up 3 out of the first 5 seasons that the show has aired on ABC. It illustrates that whatever genre the contestant may be, any singer stands a shot. Jamal clearly connected to the audience, and even though stereotypically voters have picked country singers, maybe that has changed.
