Jamal Roberts has emerged as the winner of American Idol Season 23, marking a historic moment for the popular singing competition.
The show, which premiered on March 2, 2025, aired its grand finale on May 18, with Ryan Seacrest as host and judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
Roberts beat fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix after a record-breaking 27 million votes were cast—surpassing last season’s total.
As the winner, Roberts receives a recording contract with Hollywood Records, including a $125,000 signing bonus, an additional $100,000 after completing his first album, and a recording budget of up to $300,000.
This victory is historic as Roberts becomes only the second Black male winner in the show’s 22-year history, following Ruben Studdard’s win in Season 2.
Roberts, a father of three, also shared joyful news of his newborn daughter’s birth just before the finale aired.
Watch the winning moment HERE
