Jamal Roberts Crowned Winner of American Idol 2025 in Record-Breaking Finale
The American Idol Season 23 finale delivered an emotional and star-studded night as
Jamal Roberts
, a 27-year-old father of three from Meridian, Mississippi, was officially crowned the
winner
. Competing against John Foster and Breanna Nix, who placed second and third respectively, Jamal sealed his victory with a powerful performance of 'Her Heart' by Anthony Hamilton.
Host Ryan Seacrest described the outcome as the result of the 'biggest finale vote in show history,' with fans having less than three hours to cast their votes during the live event. The finalists began the night with a group performance of Queen's 'We Are the Champions', joined by the show's Top 14 contestants, setting a celebratory tone for the evening.
Ahead of the finale, all three contestants visited their hometowns, a cherished American Idol tradition.
Jamal's segment featured him singing 'Just My Imagination' by The Temptations, accompanied by touching clips from his visit home, where he expressed his hope to bring 'love, peace, and unity' to his community.
Jamal, a physical education teacher by profession, now embarks on a promising musical journey. As per Newsweek, the American Idol winner receives a record deal with
Hollywood Records
, along with a $125,000 advance and an additional $100,000 upon completing an album, totaling $250,000. He will also be provided with a recording budget of up to $300,000, which serves as an advance recouped from future earnings.
From his soulful voice to his heartfelt story, Jamal Roberts captured America's hearts—earning not just a title, but the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable musical career.
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