Who Won American Idol Season 23 & How Much Prize Money Did They Win?

Photo Credit: Christopher Willard | Disney via Getty Images

Curious who won American Idol Season 23 and how the final rankings played out on finale night? After months of performances, public voting, and judge critiques, the top three contestants faced off one last time during a star-studded live episode featuring guest performers and emotional farewells.

Here’s who took home the crown—and where the other finalists placed.

Who won American Idol Season 23 and who was second and third?

Jamal Roberts won American Idol Season 23. John Foster was the runner-up, while Breanna Nix placed third. The announcement was made by host Ryan Seacrest during the finale broadcast on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The three finalists—Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix—performed one last time for public votes. Jamal sang Teeks’ “First Time” and The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).”

John performed Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Breanna sang Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name” and Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” Jamal was declared the winner following what Seacrest described as “the biggest finale vote in show history.”

How much prize money did Jamal Roberts win from American Idol Season 23?

Jamal Roberts received a recording contract with Hollywood Records as part of his American Idol Season 23 win. According to consistent past reports, the winner earns an initial $125,000 for signing the contract, followed by an additional $100,000 upon completing a full album (via Newsweek).

The winner reportedly earns a total of $250,000, excluding album production costs. Newsweek previously stated that the show grants winners up to $300,000 for album production, treating it as an advance to be repaid from future music earnings. Although American Idol did not announce any prize changes for 2025, Roberts received the standard prize package outlined in the show’s usual contract.

Jamal Roberts, a Mississippi elementary school gym teacher, earned widespread praise during the competition for his soulful vocals and authenticity. His performance of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” after winning marked the end of the season, which judges called the biggest finale vote in the show’s history.

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