Latest news with #RockandRollHallofFameNight
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I'm anointed': Jamal Roberts becomes the first Black man to win ‘American Idol' in 22 years, following Ruben Studdard
WARNING: this item contains spoilers — read at your own risk! After months and months of auditions, showstoppers, and live shows, the winner of American Idol Season 23 was finally crowned on May 18. (Read our minute-by-minute recap.) More from GoldDerby 'American Idol' Season 23 finale: Who took the crown - John Foster, Breanna Nix, or Jamal Roberts? Everything to know about the 'American Idol' Season 23 finale: Returning contestants, superstar guests, finalists' new singles ... 'Your life flashes before your eyes': 'The Amazing Race' winners Carson and Jack, runners-up Han and Holden talk Season 37 finale The final three contestants — pop-country singer Breanna Nix, R&B artist Jamal Roberts, and country star John Foster — went head-to-head-to-head during ABC's three-hour finale on Sunday night. After America voted live coast-to-coast, Jamal was named the winner, John finished as the runner-up, and Breanna came in third place. Jamal is now the second Black man to win American Idol after Season 2's Ruben Studdard 22 years ago, in 2003. Meanwhile, there have been four Black women to prevail: Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks, Candice Glover, and Just Sam. "I'm anointed. I know how to use it. I know how to tap in," Jamal told Gold Derby on the red carpet. After the confetti fell, Jamal got down on the floor and did a snow angel on the big stage. "I will always remember that moment, because I've actually never done a snow angel before in the real snow — it was just amazing," the Mississippi native revealed. "I was overwhelmed," Jamal continued. "It still hasn't settled in yet." The newly-crowned champ is excited to get in the studio and work on an "inspirational soul" album, but has no plans on leaving his hometown of Meridian, Miss. "I love my city," he said. "There's no traffic. I don't wait in line to eat. I love my life!" When asked about his hometown visit prior to the finale he said, "I knew I was loved, but when I saw that many people out there for me — I was shocked." Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard Carrie Underwood, who has yet to confirm if she will return for Season 24, had one goal during her first season as a judge: to make sure there was incredible talent left at the end. "The Top 10 were just insane," she told Gold Derby. "Everybody had their moment and took their opportunity. You won't find this level of talent anywhere else." "I know what it's like to grow up in a small town," Carrie said about watching the hometown visits. "To see that many people show up and support — they just had an incredible day. We were all very emotional watching it." When asked if there was anything she would do differently next season, Carrie said, "If I do come back, I'm going to make sure nobody cheats [on 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night']. I wanna rock!" "I'm excited!" said showrunner Megan Wolflick about Jamal's historic triumph. "It felt like an old-school Idol finale. It felt like Ruben vs. Clay [Aiken]." She told Gold Derby that she wouldn't "call this the countriest season ever," because it contained "multi-genre talent." The producer pinpointed Season 10, which ended in the battle between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, as quite possibly the season with the biggest country feel to it. The rest of the top 14 also took part in the finale: Gabby Samone, Mattie Pruitt, Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Josh King, Canaan James Hill, Kolbi Jordan, Ché Chesterman, Filo, Amanda Barise, and Desmond Roberts. They sang tunes with some of the biggest A-list artists in the industry, including Brandon Lake, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, and Cody Johnson. Host Ryan Seacrest revealed the winner's name at the end of the episode, just as he's done for each of the past 22 seasons. Current judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie sang a showstopping rendition of "Stuck on You" together, while "Artist in Residence" and mentor Jelly Roll performed "Unpretty" and "Liar" with Jamal. Disney/Christopher Willard Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old father and P.E. teacher from Meridian, Miss., went viral for these performances on the big stage: "Tennessee Whiskey," "Liar," "Forever," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Shout," "Heal," "Undo It," "I Believe," "Go the Distance," "A Change Is Gonna Come," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "Beauty and the Beast." His original R&B single is "Heal." John Foster, an 18-year-old student from Addis, La., sang his way into America's heart with his renditions of "In Color," "Callin' Baton Rouge," "Tell That Angel I Love Her," "Neon Moon," "Jailhouse Rock," "I Told You So," "Something to Talk About," "I Cross My Heart," "Almost There," "Believe," "The Bare Necessities," and "Rainbow Connection." His original country single is "Tell That Angel I Love Her." Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old mother and health coach from Denton, Texas, belted out the following tunes during her time on the show: "The Trouble With Love Is," "Still Rolling Stones," "Up to the Mountain," "The Show Must Go On," "Open Arms," "Tell Your Heart To Beat Again," "Water Under the Bridge," "Independence Day," "Reflection," "Like My Mother Does," "This Will Be" and "You'll Be in My Heart." Her original pop-country single is "Higher." According to the Gold Derby predictions, John Foster was out front to win the competition with leading 2/3 odds. He was followed by Jamal Roberts in second place at 2/1 odds, and Breanna Nix in third place at 14/1 odds. Are you happy with the ultimate Season 23 results? Be sure to sound off down in the comments section or in our reality TV forum. Jamal is the latest to join the iconic American Idol winner list, following these former 22 champions: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, Trent Harmon, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam, Chayce Beckham, Noah Thompson, Iam Tongi, and Abi Carter. SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby 'Survivor' deaths: Full list of castaways we've lost Everything to know about the 'Survivor 48' finale: Airdate, title, finalists, challenges, rules 'The Masked Singer' spoilers: Who is Boogie Woogie? Click here to read the full article.
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
American Idol season 23 welcomes James Taylor as Top 14 mentor
American Idol season 23 is bringing music legend James Taylor to the stage as a guest mentor for its upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. The April 27, 2025, episode will feature Taylor mentoring the Top 14 contestants as they prepare rock-inspired performances. American Idol confirmed James Taylor's participation via Instagram, calling him "one of the greatest songwriters ever." Taylor, known for iconic songs like "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend," brings more than 50 years of industry experience, six Grammy Awards, and a 2000 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction to the mentoring session. Fans of American Idol and James Taylor reacted enthusiastically online, praising the show's decision to bring in such a legendary figure. Many commenters noted their excitement about Taylor's guidance for the young finalists. In addition to the special mentorship, American Idol viewers can expect another major reveal during the live broadcast. Host Ryan Seacrest is set to announce the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, according to ABC News. With live shows now in full swing, American Idol season 23 continues to elevate the competition by featuring iconic artists and surprise moments. Fans are eagerly anticipating an unforgettable night celebrating the spirit of rock and roll alongside some of the industry's biggest legends.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'American Idol' Fans React to "Legendary" Season 23 Mentor News
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." American Idol loves to bring in musical guests to help contestants as they strive to be the best. Well, no one would've expected this music superstar to come through — and the news comes with another incredible surprise. With the live shows underway for American Idol season 23, it's time for the show to begin its themed nights to spice up the competition. The April 27 episode will be quite an eventful one, as contestants take on the world of rock music for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. But the competitors aren't alone in prepping for their performances — music legend James Taylor will be on hand to help mentor the Top 14 with their song selections. "One of the greatest songwriters ever joins us on Sunday! 🎶," read the caption when American Idol posted the news on Instagram. "@jamestaylor_com will be mentoring our #AmericanIdol finalists for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by American Idol (@americanidol) When music fans learned of James' involvement with American Idol, excitement immediately erupted in the comments. "Haven't been this excited for a guest mentor!!!! Huge James Taylor fan, he'll be a perfect mentor!" one person wrote. "👏👏👏👏 Ooooooo can't wait! Love me some James Taylor!" another declared. "Love they have James Taylor. Awesome 👌 mentor. Legendary!! 👏👏👏," a different follower added. Famous for songs like "Fire and Rain"and "You've Got a Friend," James has been one of the most prolific artists in the music industry for over 50 years. A six-time Grammy Award winner, James was also inducted into the Rock and Hall Hall of Fame back in 2000. But James' appearance isn't the only thing American Idol viewers can look forward to on April 27. Along with the contestant's performances, ABC News reported host will reveal which acclaimed musical acts will be inducted into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We are so excited about what's to come! You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
