Jamal Roberts is the winner of American Idol Season 23. From his first audition to his emotion-stirring finale song, Heal, Jamal delivered consistent, powerful performances, which his judges all clocked.
Jamal is only the second Black man to win this title, following Ruben Studdard in 2003. This historic win also arrived with record-breaking votes, bringing multiple landmark moments to Season 23. Let us, therefore, look back at the road Jamal traveled, before and on American Idol Season 23. And yes, we will also look at the prizes Jamal took with him, which we know will only further his career in this industry.
Jamal Roberts auditioned for American Idol twice before making it onto Season 23
Before Jamal won hearts and votes on American Idol Season 23, this 27-year-old taught physical education at Crestwood Elementary School in Meridian, Mississippi. If you need a solid cry, check out the heartfelt tribute Crestwood Elementary posted for their beloved teacher, Jamal. For his students and the millions of viewers at home, Jamal carried a heightened potential to win this series, starting with his powerful audition, where he covered Mary Jane by Rick James. But, as talented as Jamal is, Season 23 was shockingly his third attempt at making it on this series.
According to Billboard, Jamal auditioned for American Idol twice before Season 23. During his first audition, the judges told Jamal that he “needed more vocal training” and that he “was too young.” Then, in his next audition, the judges asked Jamal to sing a second song to help further showcase his talents. However, Jamal only had one song prepared, so he failed to snag a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood.
But Jamal never felt defeated, he explained. Instead, Jamal stayed the course, taking any constructive criticism and using it for his gain. “This has always been me,” Jamal stressed. Thankfully, his efforts paid off, as the third time was indeed the charm for Jamal.
Jamal Roberts received record-breaking votes on American Idol Season 23
The talent on American Idol was through the roof. But, for many fans, Jamal was the only clear winner for Season 23. Unlike some of his fellow competitors, Jamal expertly shifted in and out of every genre, showing his highly proficient range as each week progressed. His performances were so powerful that Jamal received a record-breaking number of votes during his finale appearance on American Idol Season 23, which we love for this educator, father, and newly signed recording artist.
The live-taped finale for American Idol Season 23 was three hours long. During this timeframe, millions of votes came in. The only caveat is that the voters had to be at least 16 years of age and based in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. Before reading the name of our newest Idol, host Ryan Seacrest noted that a record-breaking 26 million votes came in, doubling what the finale in Season 22 saw.
This record-shattering number proves that Jamal is in for many wins following his showings on American Idol. Overall, our newest Idol has the talent and the support of millions in his corner to help him make it far in this industry.
How much did Jamal Roberts win on American Idol 2025?
Jamal will also walk away from this experience with multiple prizes in his bag. While the prize pot amount is typically confidential, unlike other competition-based series, a leak happened with one of the Season 17 finalists, showing that these artists win $250,000 divided into two lump sums. Since this leak transpired, no other mentions of prize amounts have surfaced. So, we know that Jamal is likely collecting at least this amount.
Jamal will also receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records and a free vacation, which his exhausted body likely needs. After he and runner-up John Foster made it into the Top 2, Ryan surprised them with an announcement, revealing that they would both be receiving a prize of a Disney cruise. Their trip covers four passengers each on the Disney Wish cruise line, which makes sense, as Disney is the parent company of ABC, the network on which American Idol airs.
However, the greatest gift this win afforded Jamal is publicity, which will help skyrocket his career in the music industry. Luckily for them, the other finalists will also benefit from this aspect, all thanks to American Idol Season 23.
American Idol is now streaming on Hulu.
TELL US – DID YOU VOTE FOR JAMAL DURING AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 23? WHERE DO YOU THINK JAMAL WILL GO FROM HERE?
