‘American Idol' Season 23 finale: Who took the crown — John Foster, Breanna Nix, or Jamal Roberts?

Yahoo

19-05-2025

Tonight on American Idol, the top three give their final performances in a star-studded night filled with music legends and top stars. After the nationwide vote, host Ryan Seacrest reveals this year's American Idol winner. Will John Foster, Breanna Nix, or Jamal Roberts take the crown? Follow our live blog to see each performance and up-to-the-minute results below.
The three-hour finale of American Idol airs live coast-to-coast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will cheer on the contestants as "Artist in Residence" Jelly Roll mentors the finalists ahead of their last performance.
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Each of the top 14 contestants return to make an appearance on tonight's finale along with superstar guests Brandon Lake, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, and Salt-N-Pepa.
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8 p.m. — Previously, on American Idol: The top three finalists were announced on May 12 after competing in "Disney Night No. 2" — performing a pair tunes featured in classic Disney movies. John Foster ("The Bare Necessities"/"Rainbow Connection") edged out Jamal Roberts ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough"/"Beauty and the Beast") and Breanna Nix ("This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)"/"You'll Be in My Heart") to win Gold Derby's poll as your favorite performer. Thunderstorm Artis ("A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes"/"Find Yourself") and Slater Nalley ("You've Got a Friend in Me"/"Born to Be Wild") were eliminated from the competition.
The grand finale performances for America's vote were:
John Foster Age: 18 Hometown: Addis, La. Performance: "Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" by Toby Keith Carrie's comments: "You're pulling out all the stops." Lionel's comments: "That's the way you run for offi-- nailed it, nailed it, nailed it." Luke's comments: "Your whole disposition has changed -- the confidence and your voice has gotten better."
Jamal Roberts Age: 27 Hometown: Meridian, Miss. Performance: "First Time" by Teeks Carrie's comments: "I feel like tonight, you look so comfortable and at ease." Lionel's comments: "What I love about you is the way you just navigate the story and it happens to come out of your mouth in brilliant form." Luke's comments: "Will you teach me how to be that smooth? Everything about you is a star."
Breanna Nix Age: 25 Hometown: Denton, Texas Performance: "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" by Katy Nichole Carrie's comments: "You just reminded everybody why we love you. It's so warm and believable." Lionel's comments: "This has turned into a slugfest -- every one of you in your own lane has a career forever. Stay on your path." Luke's comments: "You've just been amazingly solid all year, you deliver week in and week out. You have such a special heart and thing about you."
John Foster Age: 18 Hometown: Addis, La. Performance: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver Carrie's comments: "Great song choice. Everybody at home was singing." Lionel's comments: "For all of you out there: vote, vote, vote." Luke's comments: "That hometown piece, whew. Really beautifully done."
Jamal Roberts Age: 27 Hometown: Meridian, Miss. Performance: "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" by The Temptations Carrie's comments: "You can sing things that are contemporary and it fits. You can sing things that are throwback and it fits. It all sounds fresh and new and fun." Lionel's comments: "You are divinely guided, my friend." Luke's comments: "I cannot believe that you have been in a schoolroom teaching kids and you go from that to what you're able to do in front of us. You're one of the most amazing people that I've ever seen on this show."
Breanna Nix Age: 25 Hometown: Denton, Texas Performance: "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus Carrie's comments: "You're just a gorgeous, wonderful inspiration to so many people." Lionel's comments: "Perfect song. Perfect voice. Perfect presentation." Luke's comments: "What a perfect song choice. You just took me on an unbelievable ride."
John Foster Age: 18 Hometown: Addis, La. Performance: "Tell That Angel I Love Her"
Jamal Roberts Age: 27 Hometown: Meridian, Miss. Performance: "Heal"
The evening's celebratory performances included:
John Foster, Jamal Roberts & Breanna Nix Performance: "We Are the Champions" by Queen
Salt-N-Pepa Performance: "Push It" / "Shoop" / "Whatta Man" with the Ladies of the Top 14
Good Charlotte Performance: "The Anthem" / "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" with Guys of the Top 14
Luke Bryan Performance: "Country Song Came On" / "Deeper Than the Holler" by Randy Travis with John Foster
Kirk Franklin Performance: "Melodies from Heaven" and "Love Theory" with Canaan James Hill
Goo Goo Dolls Performance: "Iris" with Mattie Pruitt
Brandon Lake Performance: "Daddy's DNA" with Breanna Nix
Jennifer Holliday Performance: "I Am Changing" with Gabby Samone
Jelly Roll Performance: "Unpretty" and "Liar" with Jamal Roberts
Myles Smith Performance: "Nice to Meet You" and "Stargazing" with Ché Chesterman and Filo
PJ Morton Performance: "How Deep Is Your Love" by Bee Gees with Amanda Barise
Patti LaBelle Performance: "Lady Marmalade" with Kolbi Jordan
Carrie Underwood Performance: "I'm Gonna Love You" with Cody Johnson and Slater Nalley
The War and Treaty Performance: "Hey Driver" with Thunderstorm Artis
Jessica Simpson Performance: "Blame Me" / "These Boots Were Made for Walkin'" with Josh King
Lionel Richie Performance: "Stuck on You" with Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan
Following the nationwide vote, the winner of American Idol Season 23 is Jamal Roberts.
The Season 23 runner-up is John Foster.
This season's third-place finisher is Breanna Nix.
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