Who Won 'American Idol' 2025? Celebrities React to Winner
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
American Idol crowned a winner during Sunday's season finale on ABC, and celebrities have taken to social media to share their reactions.
The singers who made the Top 3 were John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix, but it was Roberts who was crowned the Season 23 winner.
Newsweek reached out to Roberts and an American Idol representative via email for comment on Monday.
The Context
American Idol is a reality television show and singing competition that first premiered in June 2002 on FOX, with Kelly Clarkson as the first-ever winner of the series.
It's hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and the current judges are Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, though there have been various judges over the years including: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Katy Perry and more.
American Idol was on hiatus from 2016 to 2018. The program's last episode with FOX was in April 2016, and it began its ABC revival in March 2018.
(L-R) 'American Idol' judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan took the stage during Sunday's season finale, where Jamal Roberts was crowned the Season 23 winner.
(L-R) 'American Idol' judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan took the stage during Sunday's season finale, where Jamal Roberts was crowned the Season 23 winner.
Disney/Christopher Willard
What To Know
The Top 3 was narrowed down to just two when Nix was eliminated. Prior to Seacrest announcing a winner, Foster, 18, a college student from Louisiana, and Roberts, 27, a teacher from Mississippi, remained.
"Dim the lights, and here we go," Seacrest said before the announcement. "The winner of American Idol is... Jamal Roberts!"
Runner-up Foster gave Roberts a pat on the side in congratulations as Roberts put his face in his hands.
What People Are Saying
After the American Idol finale, celebrities shared their thoughts on the winner.
Host Ryan Seacrest wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Huge congrats to Jamal Roberts — your 2025 #AmericanIdol!"
Luke Bryan said on Instagram: "What a way to close out the season! Congrats @officialjamalroberts! #idol"
Lionel Richie shared on Instagram: "There you have it! Congrats @officialjamalroberts our next #AmericanIdol."
Carrie Underwood posted to Instagram: "Congratulations to the newest winner of @americanidol !!! I'm so proud of @officialjamalroberts and all he has accomplished this season and I can't wait to see what mountains he climbs next! He's going to do great things!"
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson wrote via her Instagram Story: "Congratulations @officialjamalroberts!!!"
Former American Idol contestant Fantasia Barrino posted to her Instagram Story encouraging people to vote for Roberts: "Y'all know me, I don't do this, but let's go. My people, let's go. I haven't watched American Idol in years, but this young man reminds me so much of me—his story. He hasn't been given anything, he's always had to fight for it. Loves God, loves his children." Following his win, she shared a video of herself celebrating: "@officialjamalroberts Keep God Very Close."
Jamal Roberts shared on Instagram: "HOWWWW is this even real?!?! I never could've imagined this when I first stepped on that stage. From my hometown to this moment right here... I'm your next American Idol. To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything. Now I get to do what I love, with the best in the game, and share my voice with the world. This is my dream... and it's just the beginning. I love y'all more than words can say. Thank you thank you thank you."
In a separate Instagram post, Roberts added: "I'm still trying to process this... God is so good."
"From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I'm so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream."
"Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible. To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory."
"Now, I get to make music with the best in the world and share my story. But this isn't the end... it's just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart.... THANK YOU! None of this happens without y'all."
What Happens Next
Earlier this month, American Idol confirmed via Instagram that the show will return for another season.
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