It feels like just yesterday we were sitting on our couches, clutching our phones, and watching that familiar gold confetti rain down on a stunned singer. If you're scratching your head trying to remember who won American Idol last year, the name you’re looking for is Jamal Roberts.
He didn't just win; he dominated.
Most people remember the high-stakes finale on May 18, 2025. It was a massive night for ABC. Ryan Seacrest actually announced that the voting reached a record-shattering 26 million votes. That is nearly double the engagement of the previous year when Abi Carter took the crown. Jamal, a P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, went from blowing whistles at Crestwood Elementary to being the second African American male winner in the show’s entire history.
Honestly, his journey was a bit of a slow burn that turned into a wildfire.
Why Jamal Roberts Is the Name You’re Seeing Everywhere
Jamal wasn't a "one-note" contestant. That's why he won. He intentionally picked songs that kept the judges—and us at home—guessing. One week he was doing Rick James’ "Mary Jane" with this gritty, fun energy, and the next he was tearing our hearts out with "Tennessee Whiskey."
The real turning point? His cover of Tom Odell's "Heal."
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It was raw. It wasn't perfect, which is exactly why it worked. Luke Bryan famously said it had this "southern soulfulness" that you just can't teach in a vocal booth. By the time he reached the final against John Foster and Breanna Nix, it felt like his title to lose. He closed the show with "Her Heart" by Anthony Hamilton, and the rest is history.
The Stats and Facts of the Season 23 Win
- Winner: Jamal Roberts (Mississippi native)
- Runner-up: John Foster
- Third Place: Breanna Nix
- The Record: Over 26 million votes cast in the finale.
- The Judges: Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and the legendary Carrie Underwood (who joined for Season 23).
It’s worth noting that Carrie Underwood’s presence changed the dynamic. She was tough. She told Jamal early on that he needed more "swagger" and needed to "loosen up." He clearly took that advice to heart because by the time the live shows hit, his stage presence was night and day compared to his first audition.
What Happened After the Confetti Settled?
Winning American Idol is often just the beginning of a very steep climb. We’ve seen winners like Iam Tongi or Noah Thompson have moderate success, but Jamal seems to be on a different trajectory. Shortly after his win, his version of "Heal" hit Number 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart.
He didn't just stay in the gospel lane, though.
He actually opened for Brandy and Monica on their "The Boy Is Mine" tour. That’s a huge jump for someone who was teaching gym classes just a few months prior. Even more wild? He landed a Grammy nomination for a live version of his song "Still," a collab with Jonathan McReynolds.
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As we sit here in early 2026, Jamal is prepping for what might be his biggest audience yet. He’s been tapped to sing the National Anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s a massive gig that usually goes to established superstars.
Looking Back: Abi Carter and the 2024 Legacy
To understand why Jamal's win felt so big, you have to look at 2024. Abi Carter was a powerhouse. She was the first-ever platinum ticket recipient to actually win the whole thing. She was also the first woman to win in four years.
Abi’s win was about technical perfection and that indie-pop vibe. She sang "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and basically ended the competition right there in the auditions. She recently launched her "Ghosts in the Backyard" tour in early 2025, proving that the Idol machine is still capable of launching real, touring artists.
But Jamal brought something different—a sense of "everyman" soul that the show had been missing for a few seasons.
The Secret to the Season 23 Success
A lot of people think American Idol is just about who can hit the highest note. It's not. If that were the case, Breanna Nix probably would have walked away with the trophy. Her range was terrifyingly good.
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Jamal won because of his "storytelling" ability. Lionel Richie kept harping on that all season. You have to make the audience feel like you’re singing to them, not at them. Jamal’s "dad energy" (he has three daughters) and his humble Mississippi roots made him incredibly relatable to the core Idol demographic.
Why the 2025 Finale Was Different
- The Underwood Factor: Having a former winner on the panel added a level of "I’ve been there" expertise that Katy Perry (bless her) didn't quite have.
- Genre Blending: Jamal refused to be "pigeonholed." He did gospel, R&B, country, and even a bit of rock.
- The Hometown Hero Effect: The support from Meridian, Mississippi was insane. They held massive watch parties that went viral on social media, creating a groundswell of support that likely fueled those 26 million votes.
What’s Next for Idol Fans?
With Season 24 right around the corner, everyone is looking for the "next Jamal." The bar is high. The producers are clearly leaning into more diverse musical backgrounds and contestants who have a "real world" job story.
If you want to keep up with Jamal’s career, his debut album is expected to drop later this year. He’s been teasing tracks that lean heavily into that "Southern Soul" vibe that Luke Bryan loved so much.
Your Next Steps to Stay in the Loop:
Keep an eye on the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19. Watching a former P.E. coach sing for millions in a stadium is the ultimate "full circle" moment for any American Idol fan. Also, if you’re a fan of the 2024 winner, Abi Carter’s tour is still hitting several cities through the spring—check her official site for those remaining dates before they sell out.
Finally, if you’re thinking about auditioning for the next season, remember Jamal’s own advice: "Go with your first mind." Don't overthink the song choice. Just sing what makes you feel something.
The American Idol stage is still one of the few places where a gym teacher from Mississippi can become a household name in under six months.