The anticipation has been building all season, and tonight we finally find out the American Idol Season 23 winner. The finale featured the three standout performers—John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts—battling it out for the top prize. While these finalists were the stars of the evening, the show also delivered unforgettable moments with performances from the judges and special guests like Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, Brandon Lake, and the Goo Goo Dolls.
I’ll be live blogging and rating each performance throughout the three-hour extravaganza.
American Idol Season 23 Winner: Round One Performances
For the first round, Jelly Roll selected a song for each contestant based on their personal favorites. John Foster, 18, from Addis, Louisiana, opened with a stirring rendition of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” His voice was strong and expressive, especially during the softer closing notes. John also impressed with his articulate presence on stage. Grade: A–
Breanna Nix, 25, from Denton, Texas, sang “In Jesus Name” by Katy Nichole. Despite her young son falling asleep again—as he did during her audition—Breanna delivered powerful vocals. Though she pushed her voice a bit too hard at times, the tender finish was beautiful. Grade: B
Jamal Roberts, 26, from Meridian, Mississippi, performed “First Time” by Teeks, a song Jelly Roll loved from Jamal’s TikTok cover. Jamal showcased his vocal versatility, though John’s performance felt just a touch stronger this round. Luke praised John’s smooth vibe, and Lionel admired his look. Grade: B+
American Idol Season 23 Winner: Final Rounds and Results
In round two, John sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, delivering another heartfelt performance backed by a moving hometown video. It was a solid effort, though many wished he could reprise his earlier song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a song finalists have repeated in past seasons. Grade: B+
Jamal chose “Just My Imagination” by The Temptations. While the song choice didn’t pack an emotional punch, Jamal’s vocal skill shone, especially near the finale. Grade: B+
Breanna tackled Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” a song some feel is overused in competitions, but she made it her own with soaring vocals and a stunning climax—arguably the best of round two. Grade: A
Sadly, Breanna Nix was eliminated, leaving John Foster and Jamal Roberts as the final two contestants.
For the last round, John performed his original single “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” revealing why he didn’t sing it earlier. It’s the strongest original track released by any of the Top 3 and might have sealed his fate. Grade: A–
Jamal closed with his new single “Heal,” a moving song he had performed on the show before. His emotional delivery was outstanding, with a breathtaking finish. Grade: A
And the American Idol Season 23 winner is Jamal Roberts—a result that surprises given the show’s history with country winners, but a well-deserved victory.
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Source: www.idolchatteryd.com
