At the culmination of its 23rd season, "American Idol" unveiled its latest champion with a grand flourish. On the evening of Sunday, May 18th, Jamal Roberts emerged victorious as the 2025 titleholder of "American Idol," edging out his fellow finalists, John Foster and Breanna Nix, who settled for second and third place, respectively. Roberts sealed his triumph with a soulful rendition of "Her Heart" by Anthony Hamilton.
A gym teacher hailing from a local elementary school in Mississippi, Roberts first captivated the hearts and minds of the judges with his powerful interpretation of Rick James' "Mary Jane" during the auditions. Lionel Richie, among the esteemed panel, exclaimed, "Man, you've got some real magic in you. By the end, you were letting it all out. Just take it easy. You've been blessed with a voice that tells a story – it's truly invaluable."
Luke Bryan added his praise, saying, "What I adore about your performance is its authentic southern soul. Was it flawless? No. But that's not what you're aiming for. You're singing from the depths of your heart, and that's exactly what I felt." Carrie Underwood, concurring with her fellow judges, encouraged Roberts to "let go and let your body resonate with your voice."
With his voice stealing the spotlight, the 27-year-old talent earned a resounding "yes" from all three judges, marking the beginning of his journey to the top.
