• Jamal Roberts wins American Idol Season 23 after a Record-Breaking 26M fan votes.
• Jamal becomes the first Black male winner since 2003, marking a historic moment.
• The finale featured star duets and strong performances by finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix.

Season 23 of American Idol made history. A Record-Breaking 26M viewers voted in the finale on May 18. These fans came from all over the U.S. Many were longtime viewers, while others discovered the show for the first time. They voted by text, app, and online. Families, teens, and music lovers all took part. Their votes helped decide the winner of one of TV’s biggest singing contests.

Viewers Chose Jamal Roberts as the New American Idol

Out of all the contestants, viewers chose Jamal Roberts as the winner. He captured hearts with his soulful voice and powerful performances. The fan vote crowned him the Season 23 champion. The finale was full of excitement and emotion. When Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal’s name, the crowd erupted in cheers. Fans flooded social media to celebrate his win of the Record-Breaking 26M votes.

John Foster and Breanna Nix Took Second and Third Place

Jamal beat out two strong finalists. John Foster came in second place. Breanna Nix took third. Breanna was eliminated halfway through the finale. She gave a great final performance. John went head-to-head with Jamal in the end. Both gave it their all, but Jamal’s voice and stage presence won the night.

Jamal Roberts Makes Idol History

Jamal made history with his win. He is the first Black male winner since Ruben Studdard in 2003. That was more than 20 years ago. Jamal’s win, backed by a Record-Breaking 26M votes, means a lot to fans and future contestants. It shows that talent and heart still shine through.

For his final performance, Jamal sang “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton. His version was smooth and emotional. The judges praised him. The audience loved it. This song choice helped seal his victory. It was the perfect way to close his journey on American Idol.

Celebrities Joined the Stage for Finale Duets

The finale featured exciting performances. Each finalist sang with a guest star. Jamal performed with Jelly Roll. John sang with judge Luke Bryan. Breanna sang with Brandon Lake. Other guest stars included Salt-N-Pepa, Jessica Simpson, and Good Charlotte. The finale felt like a live concert full of surprises.

This season’s judges were Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and first-time judge Carrie Underwood. They watched auditions in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. From hundreds of singers, they chose 144 for Hollywood Week. Then, they picked the Top 24. Carrie later said judges had to make some “concessions” because the talent level was so high.

Fans Took Over the Voting After Hollywood Week

After the judges picked the Top 24, viewers took control. They voted weekly to keep their favorites in the competition. Social media buzz helped fans stay connected. People shared performances, reactions, and predictions. Each week, the show built more excitement. Jamal gained loyal fans who voted for him until the end.

Season 23 Began with Pre-Recorded Auditions

Season 23 began over two months before the finale. It started with pre-recorded auditions, emphasizing the show’s widespread appeal. These featured hopeful singers from across the country. The judges saw many talented artists. Hollywood Week followed, testing their skills even more. The live shows came next, filled with challenges and themes. Jamal stood out from the beginning.

Last Season’s Winner, Abi Carter, Released Her First Album

Abi Carter won Season 22 of American Idol. After the show, she released her first album, Ghosts in the Backyard. Her success showed what Idol winners can achieve. Fans now look forward to Jamal’s next steps. He could follow the same path with new music and a growing fanbase.

Jamal Roberts Begins His Career With Huge Support

Jamal’s win is just the beginning. He now has millions of fans cheering him on. His powerful voice and charm made a big impact. Winning American Idol, especially with a Record-Breaking 26M votes, opens doors. Soon, fans will hear his new music, see him in interviews, and maybe catch him on tour. His journey has just begun—and it’s off to a great start.