The moment we’ve all been waiting for has officially aired—the ‘American Idol’ Season 23 finale dropped on Sunday night, May 18, 2025, wrapping up another season filled with powerhouse vocals, tearful moments, and unforgettable performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer who just wants to know who took home the crown, here’s your all-in-one guide to reliving the big night before it disappears from your screen.
If you missed the live broadcast on ABC or want to rewatch the glory and glam, don’t worry—we’ve got all the deets on how to watch the American Idol Season 23 finale, who won it, what went down, and why it matters for fans and contestants alike. This article also breaks down where to stream it, who performed, and what’s next for the franchise.
‘American Idol’ Season 23 Finale
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Finale Air Date | May 18, 2025 |
| Broadcast Channel | ABC (8 PM ET / 5 PM PT) |
| Winner of Season 23 | Jamal Roberts, P.E. teacher from Mississippi |
| Top 3 Finalists | Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Breanna Nix |
| Streaming Platforms | Hulu, ABC.com, YouTube TV, fuboTV |
| Guest Judges & Performers | Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll |
| International Viewing | Available via VPN or licensed streaming partners |
| Season 24 Status | Renewed for 2026; auditions open at American Idol Official Site |
Whether you tuned in live or plan to stream it later, the American Idol Season 23 finale was one for the books. Jamal Roberts’ inspiring journey, the diverse musical lineup, and fresh format changes proved that the show still has its spark after more than two decades.
The finale wasn’t just about crowning a winner—it was about celebrating voices from every corner of America, showcasing real talent, and reminding us why music matters.
What Happened in the Finale?
The finale aired live and brought serious heat to the stage. It wasn’t just a sing-off; it was a musical battleground with finalists Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix giving everything they had. The judges—Carrie Underwood (yes, she’s back!), Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—were on their feet more times than we could count.
But what made it electric wasn’t just the talent. Guest performances from big names like Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, and even a surprise duet between Lionel Richie and John Legend lit up the room. It was part concert, part competition, and 100% entertainment.
Who Won ‘American Idol’ Season 23?
After weeks of grueling competition and thousands of votes from across the country, Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Mississippi, walked away with the win.
This dude’s journey was the stuff of dreams—humble beginnings, a viral moment during Hollywood Week, and a string of soulful performances that had America voting in droves. His rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come” in the finale had the crowd in tears and the judges giving standing O’s.
If you’re looking for a modern-day Cinderella story, this is it.
How to Watch the Finale If You Missed It
No worries if you couldn’t tune in live—there are plenty of ways to catch up.
Hulu
- Episodes land on Hulu the day after airing.
- You’ll need a subscription, but there’s often a free trial for new users.
- Watch it here: Hulu – American Idol
ABC.com
- ABC’s official site streams full episodes.
- Login required with a cable or streaming provider.
- Check it out: ABC – American Idol
Live TV Streaming Services
If you’re into cord-cutting, you can stream on platforms like:
- YouTube TV
- fuboTV
- DIRECTV Stream
Most offer free 5-7 day trials.
International Viewers
Folks outside the U.S. might need a VPN to access Hulu or ABC. Alternatively, wait for the show to hit platforms like Disney+ Hotstar or other licensed outlets in your country.
Behind the Scenes: A Season of Surprises
Season 23 of American Idol stood out for more than just killer vocals. Here’s what made it a game-changer:
Katy Perry’s Exit
Pop icon Katy Perry officially exited the show at the start of the season. Her replacement? None other than Carrie Underwood, who returned to Idol not just as a mentor, but as a full-time judge.
New Rules for Auditions
Virtual auditions and AI-assisted vocal assessments were introduced this season to expand outreach, especially in rural America.
More Genre Variety
From country to gospel to hip-hop, this season featured the most genre diversity ever, attracting a wider audience and deeper talent pool.
What’s Next for Jamal Roberts and the Finalists?
Jamal’s win comes with the full Idol package:
- A recording contract
- National press tour
- Headliner spot on the American Idol Live Tour starting July 2025
- A likely Grammy nomination if history is any indicator (remember Noah Thompson from Season 20?)
Breanna and John might not have won the title, but they’ve inked deals of their own with independent labels, with Breanna reportedly in talks with Big Machine Records.
How to Audition for Season 24
Dream of making it to the Idol stage? Good news—auditions are already open for Season 24!
Step-by-Step Audition Guide
- Visit the official site: American Idol Auditions
- Submit a video showcasing your vocals. Phone recordings work just fine!
- Attend a live virtual audition (slots fill up fast—don’t snooze!)
- If selected, you’ll be invited to an in-person audition in major U.S. cities.
Eligibility
- Must be between 15–28 years old
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- No major label contract
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I rewatch the ‘American Idol’ Season 23 finale for free?
You can rewatch it on ABC.com with a cable login, or use a free trial of Hulu, YouTube TV, or fuboTV.
Q2: Who were the Top 3 finalists in Season 23?
Jamal Roberts (winner), John Foster (runner-up), and Breanna Nix (third place).
Q3: What did the winner get?
Jamal received a recording deal, media tour, and headline slot in the upcoming Idol Live Tour.
Q4: Can international fans watch the finale?
Yes, but it may require a VPN or platforms like Hotstar, depending on your region.
Q5: Has ‘American Idol’ been renewed for another season?
Yep! Season 24 is coming in 2026, and auditions are now open.
