LOS ANGELES — The viewers have spoken, and "American Idol" has crowned a new winner. As theSeason 23 finalecame to a close May 18, the fan vote – the majority of all 26 million of them – revealed 27-year-old Mississippi P.E. teacherJamal Robertsas the latest winner of "American Idol." John FosterandBreanna Nixwere the runners-up, with Breanna's elimination announced halfway through the finale. With his win, Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Season 2'sRuben Studdard, in 2003. For his winner's song, Jamal crooned Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart" as the Top 14 contestants crowded around him in celebration. The big reveal came after a slate of performances that pairedTop 14singers with guests fromSalt-N-PepatoJessica SimpsonandGood Charlotte. Jamal performed with the season's "artist in residence,"Jelly Roll; John took the stage with judgeLuke Bryan, and Breanna sang alongside Brandon Lake. We've got your favorite show covered:Sign upfor USA TODAY's Entertainment newsletter. The judges' Top 14 saves:Carrie Underwood admits they made 'concessions' Jamal had come a long way from being told byCarrie Underwoodin his audition that he needed to "loosen up" and find some "swagger." (Though he ultimately received three votes of confidence that sent him to Hollywood Week.) When he arrived in Hollywood, he was plagued by doubts around his song choices. But as the weeks went by, he found the confidence Underwood was urging him to dig deep for, delivering a lively rendition of the Isley Brothers' "Shout, Pts. 1 & 2," an impressive cover of Jelly Roll's "Liar" that humbled the original artist himself and captivating version of "Beauty and the Beast." Throughout the season, Richie often bestowed the same praise on Jamal about having heaven-sent talent; he particularly loved calling him "divinely guided." Minutes after he was named Season 23's winner, getting some sleep was top of mind for Jamal. "That was the first thing" that came to mind when he thought about going home to Meridian, Mississippi, he told USA TODAY on the "Idol" red carpet after the finale taping wrapped. "I'm going to see my daughter, Gianna," who's nine days old, he added. "I've got a lot of making up to do." After he's shaken the confetti off his shoulders and hopped on an airplane home, Jamal is all steam ahead when it comes to music. But he won't leave teaching behind for good, necessarily. "I wasn't really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration," he said. "So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that." As Jamal processed his win, Richie was still reeling from the anticipation. He said he'd just wanted Ryan Seacrest to "tear the tape off quickly" when it came to announcing the winner. "I damn near died. Rude, just rude." "I'm so happy for Jamal. And there's no number two guy here," he added, referring to John Foster as the runner-up. "They equally stood next to each other and represented their lane of music — and killed it. I'm so happy for both of them." Underwood also had some nerves around the winner announcement, reminiscent of her own moment she'd experienced two decades ago. "My heart was pounding when Ryan was looking at the card and doing the pause thing," she said. "There are a lot of moments that take me back to my time on the show." What happened in the previous episode?Top 3 revealed after Disney Night part 2 "Idol" was confirmed for a 2026 season in early May, but there are several unknowns, including whether the same judges will come back for a second season together. "We haven't started talks with the show on my return, so we'll hear what the direction is," Bryan said, adding, "Me and Ryan and Lionel have been here for eight years." "I feel like there's a lot of contemplating and things like that to do, but I had a lot of fun," Underwood said about a possible second season at the judges' table. "You never know where the good Lord's going to take me, but I'm glad I'm here." Executive Producer Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that work on Season 24 began in April, with thousands of submissions already in. "We never have them all locked in; we never know," she said of the judging panel. "Right now, it's exciting. We have a whole new season; it's like a whole new canvas, blank, and we begin to paint with it. "All I can say is I think we have some momentum from this season that will hopefully lead us to this next chapter." The finale arrived more than two months afterSeason 23 premiered, kicking off a slate of pre-recorded auditions in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles that sent 144 contestants toHollywood Week. Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and first-time judgeCarrie Underwoodwere then tasked with whittling the pool down to theTop 24before "Idol" fans took the baton and used their votes to determine who would make it through each week of the ABC competition show. The final five contestants left standing wereSlater Nalley,Breanna Nix,John Foster,Jamal RobertsandThunderstorm Artis. Last season's winnerwas platinum ticket winner Abi Carter, who has since released her debut album, "Ghosts in the Backyard." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'American Idol' finale reveals 2025 winner
