Who is Jamal Roberts, first Black man to win American Idol in over 20 years

The American Idol season 23 finale took place on May 18. Jamal Roberts was voted as the winner of this season, creating a new milestone. Jamal Roberts defeated fellow contestants John Foster and Brenna Nix in order to secure the title. Foster was awarded the first runner-up prize, while Nix came third.

According to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, this year the viewers cast nearly 26 million votes, breaking last year’s record.

Who is Jamal Roberts, winner of American Idol 2025?

Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has become the first Black man to hold the title since 2003, when Ruben Studdard was crowned the winner. With his moving rendition of Her Heart by Anthony Hamilton Roberts, a father of three daughters, clinched the American Idol 2025 title.

On the final night, Roberts was also seen performing TEEKS’ First Time and The Temptations’ Just My Imagination, impressing the judges with his signature soaring voice.

Roberts also opened about his journey from a teacher to American Idol, candidly expressing the hardships he had to go through to be able to come to the singing reality competition.

About the American Idol Season 2025 finale

On Sunday night, the American Idol season 23 finale was held with much grandeur. The event featured several performers, including Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson and the Goo Goo Dolls.

In addition to their solo performances, the top three finalists prepared for duets as Jamal Roberts performed with Jelly Roll, John Foster with judge Luke Bryan, and Brenna Nix with Brandon Lake. Along with Luke Bryan, the judges' panel featured Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie.

American Idol 2025 prize money

As per Newsweek, the winner of American Idol gets the opportunity to sign a record contract with Hollywood Records. This year, Roberts will initially receive $125,000 and then an additional $100,000 after completing an entire album.

According to the publication, the winners of American Idol are usually given up to $300,000 in advance in order for them to create a debut album. Later, they are supposed to reimburse the money with his own earnings. Newsweek further reported that this structure has been modified over the years due to inflation.