Season 23 finale night American Idol Finally I’m here. Top 3 John Foster, Brena Knicks and Jamal Roberts were the last to win the stage, and the singer who won the most viewer votes in the three-hour finale was chosen as the winner.
During the show, viewers were featured in the performances of artists such as Jessica Simpson, Good Charlotte, Patty Label and Goo Goo Dolls. Additionally, judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie proposed their feedback and hit the stage to play themselves.
Following the first two performances of the top three, those with the smallest vote were eliminated, and the winner was chosen from the remaining two at the end of the night. Scroll down for a night summary and see who won.
John Foster
In the first round of the competition, the top three provided a list of their favorite songs, choosing what songs Jerry Roll from Artist In Residence chose. For John, it was the “respects of red, white and blue” by the late Toby Keith.
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All three judges stood up in John’s performance. “That’s how you work for it American Idol. The perfect song, my friend, and you nailed it,” exclaimed Richie.
“Now is the time to pull out all the stops and we are pulling out all the stops,” Underwood added. “I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve achieved throughout this competition. I felt like I was at the John Foster concert.”
Jamal Roberts
Jerry Roll chose “first time” at Teeks for his first performance. Jamal sang this in Tiktok in 2024, so this was a big, perfect circle moment.
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“You’re so talented and you feel so comfortable and secure tonight. The way you walk around and walk around with the person looking down at the camera barrel sounds so comfortable and very comfortable.”
Brian said, “Can you tell me how to make it that smooth? It’s smooth. When I left the set and went home, people asked about you, they said, “He’s very smooth with his delivery.” You are always connected to your appearance.
Breanna Nix
According to Jerry Roll, Brenna’s faith “fixed” her to the show. That’s why he chose “Jesus’ Name” by Katie Nicole for her to sing.
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“You’re amazingly solid all year round. You deliver a week a week,” Brian gushed. “You have this special heart and thing about you. You continue to sing the music you love. …You’re amazing.”
Richie said, “I don’t want to take a respectful moment to present what I’m seeing here tonight. This has turned into a slugfest. What I’m saying is that you guys in your lane will have a career forever, and your beliefs are always shining.
John Foster
During his visit to John’s hometown, he shed tears when he sang his original song, “Tell Angel That I Love Her.” When he returned to stage for his second performance of the evening, he sang “Take Me Home, Country Road.”
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“I want to see your birth certificate one last time,” Richie pointed out, referring to how old John is, who is older than his 18 years. Underwood said, “It was so great to see you reminded of the journey you’ve been on with us. A great song choice. Everyone in the house was singing, everyone here was singing.”
Jamal Roberts
Jamal was welcomed to his home in Meridian, Mississippi, and the hero was welcomed. After an incredible homecoming, he returned to Idol Stage of singing “Just My Imagination” through temptation
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“Tonight, you did what you’ve been doing all season tonight. You can sing modern and what it suits. You can sing throwbacks and what it suits.
“You’re one of the most amazing people I’ve ever seen on this show,” added Brian.
Breanna Nix
Breana gave her final round one performance after gaining love from her home town in Texas. This time she sang Miley Cyrus’ “Mountain Climbing.”
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“What a perfect song choice, totally… I felt like I had just seen a six-minute movie. You took me on an incredible ride. Congratulations.
“The perfect song, the perfect voice, the perfect presentation, the very moving thing,” said Richie.
Who came in third place? American Idol 2025?
Unfortunately, that was the time to say goodbye to one of the top three. The smallest singer to vote after round one was Breanna Nix. John and Jamal moved on.
John Foster
ABC
After Brian sang his new single, “A Country Song Come On,” he joined John for the rendition of Randy Travis’ “Deeper than the Holler.” It was the perfect country boy pairing in the middle of the night!
Jamal Roberts and Jelly Roll
ABC
Jamal now makes duets in jelly rolls. They sang the country singer’s songs “Lya” and “Unpretty.” Jamal had previously sang “Liars” early in the competition, so it was a few weeks that was made.
John Foster
For the evening’s final performance, John and Jamal each sang their first single. For John, it was his original song, “Tell Angels I Love Her.” As always, it was a moving performance of a song with such powerful meaning to him.
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Jamal Roberts
Jamal’s first single was his version of Tom Odell’s “Heels,” which he sang earlier this season, and resonated heavily with the fans. He crushed it again during his final performance of the night.
ABC
Who won? American Idol 2025?
Finally, at the end of the show, the winner was revealed. Ryan Seacrest announced. Winner of American Idol Season 23 is… Jamal Roberts!
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