Jamal Roberts Makes History as American Idol Season 23 Winner
- Aaris Grant
- May 19
- 2 min read
When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no! Mississippi native Jamal Roberts was crowned American Idol's 23rd season winner on last night's finale. Roberts, whose musical journey began in the church, broke records as the first black man to win the singing competition in 22 years with what host Ryan Seacrest called the “biggest finale vote in show history. "
As the grandson of a church Bishop on his dad's side and a deacon on his mom's side, Jamal Roberts began singing when he was two. He told Billboard magazine, "I was in church every time the door opened. I was the usher, and I was in the choir, and I used to play the drums.”
Throughout the season, Roberts was very open about his faith, and fans rallied behind him, offering blessings, prayers, and even prophecies.
On March 20, Roberts shared a social media post stating, "God told me he would order my steps, but it's up to me to put in the work." In response, his supporters encouraged him in the comments, saying things like "You're a winner already. Congratulations in advance," and "Can't nobody stop what God is doing."
And they were right.
During the finale, more than 5 million viewers watched Jamal Roberts become the first black man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. 26 million votes were split between 3 finalists, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix, with Jamal ultimately winning the prize.
So what exactly did he win? According to past winners, the top American Idol finalist receives a $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract. Half of the award is paid before the record is completed, and the remaining amount is paid upon completion.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Roberts shared that he hopes his win shows his daughters that "with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible."
Isn’t this incredible? ✨
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