Jamal Roberts was announced as the winner of “American Idol” Season 23. The 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Miss., beat out 18-year-old John Foster, a college student, from Addis ...

Jamal Roberts is only the second Black man to win 'American Idol' in the show's history, 22 years after Ruben Studdard.

In a historic night that captivated music fans nationwide, Meridian native Jamal Roberts claimed the American Idol crown on Sunday, May 18, sparking an outpouring of celebrity reactions.

An online rumor claimed the Season 23 winner gave $500,000 to his former employer, a public school in Mississippi.

American Idol's season 23 finale started airing live on ABC on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and opened up with the Top 3 — Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix singing We Are The World.

Sara Brewster, a third-grade teacher at Crestwood, has heard Roberts sing at school and church many times. She is sure he will win the show because "he can sing any song." "Jamal is funny," she said.

Jamal Roberts is in the "American Idol" Top 3 for Season 23. The finale airs soon, and you can help the Meridian, Mississippi, native win by casting your vote at home during the live show.