WARNING: this item contains spoilers — read at your own risk!
After months and months of auditions, showstoppers, and live shows, the winner of American Idol Season 23 was finally crowned on May 18. (Read our minute-by-minute recap.)
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The remaining three contestants — pop-country singer Breanna Nix, R&B artist Jamal Roberts, and country star John Foster — went head-to-head-to-head during ABC’s three-hour finale on Sunday night. After America voted live coast-to-coast, Jamal was named winner, John finished as the runner-up, and Breanna came in third place.
“I’m anointed. I know how to use it. I know how to tap in,” he told Gold Derby on the red carpet. After the confetti fell, Jamal got down on the floor and did a snow angel on the big stage. “I will always remember that moment, because I’ve actually never done a snow angel,” the Mississippi native revealed.
The rest of the top 14 also took part in the finale: Gabby Samone, Mattie Pruitt, Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Josh King, Canaan James Hill, Kolbi Jordan, Ché Chesterman, Filo, Amanda Barise, and Desmond Roberts. They sang tunes with some of the biggest A-list artists in the industry, including Brandon Lake, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, and Salt-N-Pepa.
Host Ryan Seacrest revealed the winner’s name at the end of the episode, just as he’s done for each of the past 22 seasons. Current judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie sang a showstopping number together, as did “Artist in Residence” Jelly Roll, who also served as the season finale mentor.
Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard – Credit: Disney/Christopher Willard
Disney/Christopher Willard
Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old mother and health coach from Denton, Texas, belted out the following tunes during her time on the show: “The Trouble With Love Is,” “Still Rolling Stones,” “Up to the Mountain,” “The Show Must Go On,” “Open Arms,” “Tell Your Heart To Beat Again,” “Water Under the Bridge,” “Independence Day,” “Reflection,” “Like My Mother Does,” “This Will Be” and “You’ll Be in My Heart.” Her original pop-country single is “Higher.”
Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old father and P.E. teacher from Meridian, Miss., went viral for these performances on the big stage: “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Liar,” “Forever,” “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Shout,” “Heal,” “Undo It,” “I Believe,” “Go the Distance,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” His original R&B single is “Heal.”
John Foster, an 18-year-old student from Addis, La., sang his way into America’s heart with his renditions of “In Color,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” “Neon Moon,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “I Told You So,” “Something to Talk About,” “I Cross My Heart,” “Almost There,” “Believe,” “The Bare Necessities,” and “Rainbow Connection.” His original country single is “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
According to the Gold Derby predictions, John Foster was out front to win the competition with leading 2/3 odds. He was followed by Jamal Roberts in second place at 2/1 odds, and Breanna Nix in third place at 14/1 odds. Are you happy with the ultimate Season 23 results? Be sure to sound off down in the comments section or in our reality TV forum.
Jamal is the latest to join the iconic American Idol winner list, following these former 22 champions: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, Trent Harmon, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam, Chayce Beckham, Noah Thompson, Iam Tongi, and Abi Carter.
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