After the biggest voter turnout in the history of “American Idol” finales, with over 26 million votes cast during the live, three-hour show on May 18, 2025, all three finalists — Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, and John Foster — were in great spirits and full of gratitude, as were judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie.
In the end, Roberts — a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi — earned the title of season 23 champ. In social media posts after his huge win, he could hardly believe his good fortune.
Meanwhile, runner-up Foster, an 18-year-old country singer from Addis, Louisiana, and third-place finisher Nix, a 25-year-old mom from Denton, Texas, also posted after the show about how grateful they were for the experience, looking forward to what comes next.
Jamal Roberts Says His ‘American Idol’ Doesn’t Quite Feel ‘Real’
Roberts looked equal parts stunned and relieved after host Ryan Seacrest announced he was the winner of season 23. Taking to social media shortly after his big win, Roberts wrote, “HOWWWW is this even real?!?! 😭😭😭 I never could’ve imagined this when I first stepped on that stage. From my hometown to this moment right here… I’m your next American Idol. 🙏🏾🎤”
The dad of three continued, “To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything. Now I get to do what I love, with the best in the game, and share my voice with the world. This is my dream… and it’s just the beginning. I love y’all more than words can say. Thank you thank you thank you 💙”
In a second post shortly after his first, Roberts posted another photo of him performing after he’d been declared the winner and wrote, “I’m still trying to process this… God is so good. 🙏🏾 From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.”
Roberts reiterated his hope that his girls — Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and newborn Gianna — would “see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”
John Foster & Breanna Nix Thank Fans for Support After ‘American Idol’ Voting Results
Foster, a college freshman majoring in biology at Louisiana State University, also posted a photo of himself on social media after the live show, with a message of gratitude.
He wrote, “Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends. I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million. 🙏❤️ #Grateful #IDOL #Blessed #JohnFoster”
Nix, who learned of her third-place finish midway through the show, posted on social media in between getting her results and going back on stage to perform with Contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” she wrote, thanking her fans. “Nix Nation – thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single one of you who’s supported me throughout this experience. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and so excited for what’s next. I can’t wait to share more music and grow with you, this is just the beginning. There’s so much I want to say, but for now… thank you. Truly. You’ve changed my life. 💙 #idol #NixNation”
‘American Idol’ Judges Celebrate Season 23 Together
In awe of Roberts’ role as a beloved teacher back home and such a dynamic performer on the “Idol” stage, Bryan told Roberts during the finale that he was “one of the most amazing people” he’d seen compete on the show. He and Lionel Richie, who’ve judged “American Idol” together for eight seasons, celebrated Roberts’ win right after the finale ended.
“We just wrapped,” Bryan shouted in a video he included in a social media post after the show, standing on the stage with Richie as contestants and crew members milled about in the background. They were clearly flabbergasted by the number of votes that had come in, and thanked everyone for watching.
Richie said he had “no words” and later said, “What an amazing night!”
Earlier in the evening, Bryan popped a bottle of champagne at the judges’ table for Underwood’s “first finale,” and they all enjoyed sips out of red solo cups. He also shared a video in his stories that showed him hugging Underwood as confetti fell around them and Roberts, and a TikTok video that revealed how excited he was when Roberts’ name was called as the winner.
Underwood, meanwhile, posted a photo of herself with Roberts onstage and wrote, “Congratulations to the newest winner of @americanidol !!! I’m so proud of @officialjamalroberts and all he has accomplished this season and I can’t wait to see what mountains he climbs next! He’s going to do great things! ❤️❤️❤️”
