American Idol has officially crowned a new champion.
The season 23 finale aired Sunday, May 18, with John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts vying for the title of America’s favorite singer. The big night began with the trio performing “We Are the Champions” by Queen before host Ryan Seacrest reminded viewers that voting was officially open.
Artist in residence Jelly Roll offered his expert advice to the final three — and even selected songs for them to perform in the first round. Fans were also shown footage from the finalists’ emotional returns to their respective hometowns. In the first elimination of the night, Foster and Roberts were saved, leaving Nix in third place.
Following performances by Salt-n-Pepa, Good Charlotte, Goo Goo Dolls and more, the results were in, with Seacrest revealing that more than twice as many votes were received as last season. He then announced Roberts as the winner.
Roberts quickly impressed the judges during his audition, singing a soulful version of “Mary Jane” by Rick James. Lionel Richie could hardly contain his excitement while listening to Roberts’ riffs.
“Man, you’ve got some stuff in there,” Richie said. “And by the end, you were letting it come out. Just relax. You’ve got the voice and you know how to tell a story. Priceless.”
Richie has seemingly been Roberts’ biggest champion throughout the competition, frequently praising Roberts’ old-school vibe. Fellow judge Luke Bryan hinted one week before the finale that he could see Roberts taking the title, telling reporters, “My gut has told me Jamal has … [been] a lead all year.”
While Roberts flashy outfits and high-flying arrangements kept viewers voting, season 23 wasn’t actually his first time around the block on Idol. He revealed to Billboard in April that he auditioned for the show twice before.
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“I didn’t get defeated. I never gave up,” he said of being turned away from the singing competition. “I took the no. I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain and try again. This has always been me.”
He went on to share some of the best advice Richie gave him. “He said, ‘When you are on stage and get to doing what you’re doing, you’re exploding. I hate to see you leave.’ That stuck with me. It means I’m doing something right,” Roberts explained. “I’ve learned to stay true to yourself. Don’t second-guess yourself. Oh man, second-guessing can cause a lot of stress. Go with your first mind. Anything that you do, do your best.”
