Who Won American Idol 2025? Live Results & Final Videos

Yahoo

19-05-2025

The American Idol 2025 finale started on May 18, 2025, with three competitors remaining: Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster.
Who won?
Be forewarned that this article will contain the main spoiler, so stop reading if you don't want to know who won.
Host Ryan Seacrest said it was the "biggest finale vote in American Idol history" with over 26 million votes cast, more than "double last year's finale."
Then, he cut to the chase. Here is the moment that Seacrest announced the winner of American Idol's latest season.
"The winner of American Idol is…. JAMAL ROBERTS," Seacrest announced, prompting Roberts to grow emotional as he was declared the 2025 winner.
"AMERICA GOT IT RIGHT!!! A HUGE CONGRATS TO JAMAL!" a fan wrote on the American Idol YouTube page.
Roberts put his head back for a long moment. "Congratulations, Jamal," Seacrest said.
Before the winner was announced, Foster told Roberts, "It's such an honor to be here with you," a tribute that Roberts returned.
Roberts' fans were ecstatic.
Earlier in the night, Roberts performed a duet with Jelly Roll, singing Liar and Unpretty.
As of 11 p.m. ET, the competition was down to the two remaining contestants after three powerhouse performances (videos later in this article).
Who was eliminated first?
A nationwide audience spoke, according to Ryan Seacrest, announcing the first cut on May 18.
The first contestant to make it into the final two was announced as the Louisiana country singer, John Foster.
He appeared to grow emotional, putting his hands to his face.
Then, Seacrest announced that Jamal Roberts was also moving into the final two contestants, which meant that Nix was the first of the three finalists to be cut.
That upset some fans on social media, who were rooting for the stay-at-home mom from Texas. She seemed to recover, offering verbal support to Roberts before later taking the stage for a duet with Brandon Lake.
Fans enjoyed Nix's duet. "Brandon Lake and Breanna Nix- best song of the night #americanidol," wrote one fan.
For her grand finale performance, Nix performed In Jesus Name. American Idol shared video of her performance on YouTube. Judge Lionel Richie said, "This has turned into a slugfest -- every one of you in your own lane has a career forever. Stay on your path."
Roberts sang First Time during the finale, according to the video shared by American Idol. Judge Carrie Underwood said, "I feel like tonight, you look so comfortable and at ease."
As for Foster, he sang Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.
Host Carrie Underwood said of Foster's song, "Great song choice. Everybody at home was singing."
Along the way, fans were treated to a host of special musical performances. One, by Jessica Simpson, was panned by some fans, though.