Jamal Roberts made history by winning American Idol Season 23, defeating fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix in the May 18, 2025 finale.
The season, which premiered on March 2, 2025, featured judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the finale garnered over 27 million votes, surpassing the previous season’s total.
Roberts’ victory secured him a recording deal with Hollywood Records, including a $125,000 signing advance, an additional $100,000 upon completing his first album, and a recording budget of up to $300,000.
This win is particularly significant as Jamal Roberts becomes the second Black man to win the competition in 22 years, following Ruben Studdard’s triumph in Season 2.
Notably, Roberts is a father of three daughters and had just welcomed his youngest child before the finale aired.