Latest news with #americanidol
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
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.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson Support Baylee Littrell After 'American Idol' Elimination
Baylee Littrell's time on American Idol has come to an end. On Monday, April 21, Baylee was eliminated from the singing competition show after making the Top 20. Reflecting on his experience on Instagram, the singer received some encouraging words from his father, Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, and his second cousin, BSB bandmate Kevin Richardson. "My American Idol journey has come to an end💙 Thank you so much to all that supported me this season🙏🏼 I love you all 🙌🏼 #idol #bayleetrain," Baylee, 22, wrote. In the comments section, Brian, who shares Baylee with actress wife Leighanne, wrote, "Bubba I am and always will be in your corner. You'd are so strong and so very talented, and inspire me every day. It's never the end, only the beginning for so many to be blessed by your gifts….. you killed it last night. 🔥❤️" Related: Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell Has an Emotional Reaction to His Son Baylee's American Idol Audition Meanwhile Richardson, 53, wrote that he was "So glad you got to experience this. Proud of you young man. Your journey has just begun… ❤️" During his audition for season 23, Baylee sang an original song about wanting to give up called "Waiting on Myself to Die." Brian, 50, was present during the audition and grew emotional, saying he was "super proud" of his son who had "obviously grown up in the business and he's cut out for it." Then, judge Luke Bryan asked if they had ever sang together — and they proceeded to harmonize. In April 2023, Baylee opened up in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE about how growing up on the road influenced his music career. Baylee recalled having some "completely out of the ordinary" yet "amazing" experiences while traveling with the boyband. "I got to introduce my dad at 5 years old," he said. "And then when I was 10, I started opening up for them. I would sing two or three songs before the opener would come out and play their set. And then that transcended into 2019, being able to go on a 42-show run with them and be the official opening act. That was the experience of a lifetime." From an early age, Baylee knew he wanted to pursue music and dreamt of being the "sixth Backstreet Boy" when he would hangout backstage at shows. Related: Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell Gets Emotional as Son Baylee Pays Tribute to Late Grandmother on American Idol — Watch! "I had to be 6 or 7 at the time and I'd go crash the wardrobe closet and put on their outfits and stuff before shows," he told PEOPLE. "I have a memory of myself standing in front of a mirror in my dad's show outfit and I was like, 'Hey, can I be a part of the group?' And he put his hands on my shoulders and he was like, 'One day. One day you're going to get your shot.' " Baylee first revealed he was joining the singing competition show on Instagram on Feb. 5. The "Boxes" singer shared a picture of the show's infamous sign and added one of him playing the guitar. "Well guys😁recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 🙏🏼," he wrote in the caption. "Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!" Read the original article on People
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson Support Baylee Littrell After 'American Idol' Elimination
Baylee Littrell's time on American Idol has come to an end. On Monday, April 21, Baylee was eliminated from the singing competition show after making the Top 20. Reflecting on his experience on Instagram, the singer received some encouraging words from his father, Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, and his second cousin, BSB bandmate Kevin Richardson. "My American Idol journey has come to an end💙 Thank you so much to all that supported me this season🙏🏼 I love you all 🙌🏼 #idol #bayleetrain," Baylee, 22, wrote. In the comments section, Brian, who shares Baylee with actress wife Leighanne, wrote, "Bubba I am and always will be in your corner. You'd are so strong and so very talented, and inspire me every day. It's never the end, only the beginning for so many to be blessed by your gifts….. you killed it last night. 🔥❤️" Related: Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell Has an Emotional Reaction to His Son Baylee's American Idol Audition Meanwhile Richardson, 53, wrote that he was "So glad you got to experience this. Proud of you young man. Your journey has just begun… ❤️" During his audition for season 23, Baylee sang an original song about wanting to give up called "Waiting on Myself to Die." Brian, 50, was present during the audition and grew emotional, saying he was "super proud" of his son who had "obviously grown up in the business and he's cut out for it." Then, judge Luke Bryan asked if they had ever sang together — and they proceeded to harmonize. In April 2023, Baylee opened up in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE about how growing up on the road influenced his music career. Baylee recalled having some "completely out of the ordinary" yet "amazing" experiences while traveling with the boyband. "I got to introduce my dad at 5 years old," he said. "And then when I was 10, I started opening up for them. I would sing two or three songs before the opener would come out and play their set. And then that transcended into 2019, being able to go on a 42-show run with them and be the official opening act. That was the experience of a lifetime." From an early age, Baylee knew he wanted to pursue music and dreamt of being the "sixth Backstreet Boy" when he would hangout backstage at shows. Related: Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell Gets Emotional as Son Baylee Pays Tribute to Late Grandmother on American Idol — Watch! "I had to be 6 or 7 at the time and I'd go crash the wardrobe closet and put on their outfits and stuff before shows," he told PEOPLE. "I have a memory of myself standing in front of a mirror in my dad's show outfit and I was like, 'Hey, can I be a part of the group?' And he put his hands on my shoulders and he was like, 'One day. One day you're going to get your shot.' " Baylee first revealed he was joining the singing competition show on Instagram on Feb. 5. The "Boxes" singer shared a picture of the show's infamous sign and added one of him playing the guitar. "Well guys😁recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 🙏🏼," he wrote in the caption. "Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!" Read the original article on People
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This 17-year-old aspiring preacher praised God on ‘American Idol' — and left the judges ‘speechless'
When Canaan James Hill walked into his 'American Idol' audition, Carrie Underwood had a hard time believing he was only 17 years old. The 'Idol' contestant carried himself with a maturity that did not give off the air of a teenager, the country music star said. And Hill is, in fact, already ahead of his years. He graduated high school early, an accomplishment that was motivated by his desire to pursue a preaching career — 'So that I can go forward with my gift and do what God has called and chosen me to do,' he told the 'Idol' judges. Now, the aspiring preacher from Dallas, Texas, is sharing his faith on a platform that draws in millions of viewers. On Sunday night, 'American Idol' aired Hill's audition — and it proved to be one of the standout moments of the season so far. Hill put his faith in the spotlight for his 'American Idol' debut, performing gospel singer Earnest Pugh's 'I Need Your Glory.' His voice started out soft but sure as he sang the opening lines: I need Your glory, I want Your glory Less of me and more of You is what I need As the intensity of Hill's performance picked up, 'Idol' 'judge Lionel Richie scooted back in his chair and then stood up and began pacing around the room in excitement. When Hill finished the song, Richie walked over to him and touched him on the shoulder. 'That was powerful,' he said. 'Thank you so much,' Hill responded. 'To God be the glory.' Richie was visibly having a hard time forming his thoughts. 'That was something so spectacular,' he continued. 'I just can't even describe what I heard.' Underwood also said she was 'kind of speechless.' 'Where have you been the last 17 years?' she said. 'You have a gift. Thank you for bringing your gift to us.' 'Idol' judge Luke Bryan was all smiles from start to finish as he took in Hill's performance, and couldn't help but laugh as Richie walked around the room in excitement. 'When you sing in church, what do people do?' the country singer asked the teenager. 'Do they just run to the baptism pit and jump in it and get saved immediately?' The judges were so awestruck that they chose to award Hill with the coveted platinum ticket — a special ticket they hand out just three times in a season that allows a contestant to immediately advance past the first round of Hollywood week. Hill's audition wrapped up the audition round on the 23rd season of 'American Idol.' The show begins the Hollywood round Monday night. Ahead of his 'Idol' audition, Hill told host Ryan Seacrest that his inspiration to pursue music stems from his grandfather, who sings a lot of gospel music. 'We're a gospel family,' he said. His performance of 'I Need Your Glory' has generated some attention online — and even caught the attention of singer Pugh himself. 'Congrats @canaansangz great job!!!" Pugh shared on Instagram following the audition. '#keepGoing @americanidol your platform continues to shine a light of hope for the world to see. Thank you!!" Hill has been vocal about his faith on social media — the bio on his official YouTube channel says that he loves 'to encourage people to trust God because he can do more with it than we can.' After receiving the third and final platinum ticket on 'American Ido,' Hill said he will continue to share his faith throughout the season. 'Oh, I'm so ready to spread the gospel, and that I am gonna do,' he said.
South China Morning Post
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet Brian Littrell's son Baylee Littrell, who's on American Idol this season: the Backstreet Boys star's only child with Leighanne Littrell also sings, and says his ‘first crib was on a tour bus'
Brian Littrell's son Baylee is promptly following in his father's musical footsteps. Baylee Littrell is 22 years old. Photo: @bayleelittrell_music/Instagram While his dad rose to fame as one fifth of the Backstreet Boys , Baylee, 22, is set to make his mark on season 23 of American Idol Advertisement 'He's actually on the new American Idol this season,' Brian Littrell revealed in an interview on Today earlier this month. 'He was just texting me last night, going, 'Dad, dude, how do you do this? Like, it's hard work,'' he added. 'He's been busting his butt, and I'm super proud of him. He kind of gets a new sense of reality of what this is.' Baylee also teased his American Idol audition via an Instagram post earlier this month, writing: 'Well guys, recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol. Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!' he wrote. Baylee is no stranger to the music world. He made his Broadway debut in the musical Disaster! when he was just 13, and even released his debut album, 770-Country, in 2019, per Today. Baylee Littrell is set to star on American Idol. Photo: @bayleelittrell_music/Instagram Here's what we know about the up-and-coming musician. When was Baylee Littrell born?
