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.)

The final 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 the winner, John finished as the runner-up, and Breanna came in third place.

Jamal is now the second Black man to win American Idol after Season 2’s Ruben Studdard 22 years ago, in 2003. Meanwhile, there have been four Black women to prevail: Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks, Candice Glover, and Just Sam.

“I’m anointed. I know how to use it. I know how to tap in,” Jamal 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 before in the real snow — it was just amazing,” the Mississippi native revealed.

“I was overwhelmed,” Jamal continued. “It still hasn’t settled in yet.” The newly-crowned champ is excited to get in the studio and work on an “inspirational soul” album, but has no plans on leaving his hometown of Meridian, Miss. “I love my city,” he said. “There’s no traffic. I don’t wait in line to eat. I love my life!” When asked about his hometown visit prior to the finale he said, “I knew I was loved, but when I saw that many people out there for me — I was shocked.”

Carrie Underwood, who has yet to confirm if she will return for Season 24, had one goal during her first season as a judge: to make sure there was incredible talent left at the end. “The Top 10 were just insane,” she told Gold Derby. “Everybody had their moment and took their opportunity. You won’t find this level of talent anywhere else.”

“I know what it’s like to grow up in a small town,” Carrie said about watching the hometown visits. “To see that many people show up and support — they just had an incredible day. We were all very emotional watching it.”

When asked if there was anything she would do differently next season, Carrie said, “If I do come back, I’m going to make sure nobody cheats [on ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night’]. I wanna rock!”

“I’m excited!” said showrunner Megan Wolflick about Jamal’s historic triumph. “It felt like an old-school Idol finale. It felt like Ruben vs. Clay [Aiken].” She told Gold Derby that she wouldn’t “call this the countriest season ever,” because it contained “multi-genre talent.” The producer pinpointed Season 10, which ended in the battle between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, as quite possibly the season with the biggest country feel to it.

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, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, and Cody Johnson.

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 rendition of “Stuck on You” together, while “Artist in Residence” and mentor Jelly Roll performed “Unpretty” and “Liar” with Jamal.

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.”

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.”

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.

Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes Shock the World at CMA Fest with Earth-Shaking “Shallow” Duet

The stage wasn’t ready — but they did it anyway.

Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes set CMA Fest on fire with a surprise duet that instantly became the moment of the year. Forget The Voice stage — this was bigger, hotter, and historic. When the “Stage Monster” met the “Voice Angel,” the result was a performance so powerful, fans say it felt like the universe paused to listen.

The song? “Shallow.”
The impact? Unreal.

From the first haunting note, the crowd knew something massive was unfolding. LeAnn brought the aching vulnerability, her voice dripping with heartbreak and soul. Then Adam soared in with that unmistakable power — raw, explosive, impossible to ignore. The contrast was magic: her pain, his fire — and together, a perfect storm.

This wasn’t just a duet. It was a collision. Two vocal forces from different worlds, blending so seamlessly it felt otherworldly. The emotional weight of the lyrics, already iconic, now carried new meaning through their voices. Every line hit harder. Every note carried a punch.

The crowd? Screaming. Crying. Stunned.

The stage? No longer a stage — it became a battleground of emotion and vocal mastery.

The moment? Instantly legendary.

What started as a surprise performance ended as a cultural quake. Social media exploded, fans called it “otherworldly,” “unreal,” and “the kind of duet that only happens once in a lifetime.”

Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes didn’t just sing “Shallow.”
They redefined it.

Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes Perform an Epic Queen Medley | The Blind Auditions | The Voice Australia

Adam Lambert stunned his audience by stepping away from his usual larger-than-life rock star persona, opting for a more intimate and emotional performance. Stripped of the glam and grandeur, he delivered a soulful rendition of his song, “Feel Something,” with a vulnerability.

The contrast between his typical high-energy performances and this more subdued moment caught many by surprise, but it was this raw honesty that captured hearts. With every note, Adam’s voice wove a story that stayed with listeners long after the final chord.

During the performance, Adam’s voice felt personal and real, connecting deeply with the audience. He toned down his usual flashy stage presence and took a more relaxed, soulful approach, letting the emotion of the song stand out.

Fans couldn’t get enough of the performance, and it quickly went viral, gaining millions of views across social media. Adam’s heartfelt delivery struck a chord with listeners, who were impressed by the raw emotion he brought to the song. Many pointed out how this performance revealed a new side of the artist, one that left them excited to see where this fresh musical direction might take him next.

“Feel Something” is a fresh change for Adam, moving away from the high-energy rock anthems he’s known for. This song is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes like emotional vulnerability, longing, and the deep human need for connection. With a simple, stripped-back arrangement, the track gives Adam’s voice room to shine.

Adele joined her son to dance to ‘Ramrod.’

Bruce Springsteen’s The River tour backtracked to New York’s Madison Square Garden on Monday to play the show that was postponed in January due to a winter storm. This time, Springsteen brought out a special guest to dance with him during “Ramrod”: his mother.

While the E Street band played the song, he left the stage to find his 90-year-old mom, Adele, sitting in the 100-level seats. According to reports and footage, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation as fans watched Springsteen and Adele dance on the jumbotron.

Previously, Adele has joined him on stage to dance during renditions of “Dancing in the Dark,” a song during which Springsteen usually invites a crowd member to the stage. (Remember the 91-year-old woman he brought out during a show in St. Paul, Minnesota?)

See footage of Springsteen and his mother dancing on Monday below.

News that Adam Lambert was joining The Voice Australia as a coach in 2024 had his fans squee-ing with excitement. The former American Idol star built a hugely successful career after appearing on the show in 2009, even though he didn’t win (he came runner-up to Kris Allen).

Apart from releasing his own albums, he has also performed with rock megastars Queen on several worldwide tours since 2012.

When Lambert first appeared on American Idol, he wasn’t officially ‘out.’ In June 2009, he confirmed to Rolling Stone that he was gay, and he’s been a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights ever since.

The award-winning pop star has been in a relationship with Oliver Gliese since 2021. Here’s what we know about their “very happy” relationship.

Adam Lambert, 42, has been dating 28-year-old Oliver Gliese since early 2021.

Gliese, from Denmark, has been involved in the fashion industry for several years; he’s currently the Innovation Partnerships Manager for Global Fashion Agenda, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Lambert revealed he was in a relationship with Gliese in February 2021, and the pair went ‘Instagram official’ in May of that year.

Gliese regularly shares insights into his relationship with Lambert on social media. He has 30,000 followers on Instagram, where he regularly posts loved-up snaps of the pair out and about at clubs, parties and events.

In one post, where Gliese shared a picture of himself kissing Lambert’s cheek, he called the singer “the one”.

What has Adam Lambert said about his boyfriend?

In February 2023, Lambert told PEOPLE a little bit about his relationship with Gliese.

“We’re really good at communicating,” he said. “I think that is the key to a healthy relationship. Every couple runs into disagreements or misunderstandings, but if you can sit down and talk it out, that’s the best. We have that, and I’m really thankful for it.”

They both love fashion and are regularly photographed or spotted by fans dressed up to the max, but Lambert once revealed on social media that his partner had been subjected to homophobic abuse by some of his less open-minded fans.

“Oli identifies as a he, he has wicked style and refuses to conform to the societal norms regarding his fashion choices,” Lambert said in a long message posted to Instagram in August 2023.

“He is beautiful and brave and daring. He’s a leader, not a follower. One of the many things I love about him! We are very happy together and if the haters don’t like it, we don’t really give a f***. Grow up and challenge yourself to explore tolerance. We are all just trying to stay happy and fulfilled with our lives.”

What is Adam Lambert’s dating history?

Before meeting Gliese, Lambert dated Spanish model Javi Costa Polo.

He was in a relationship with Finnish TV personality Sauli Koskinen from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, he dated American figure skater and TV commentator Johnny Weir.

American Idol 2025 just got a major jolt of country adrenaline, thanks to John Foster and his high-octane performance of “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” From the moment he stepped onto the stage, Foster brought an infectious energy that had the entire room clapping, cheering, and stomping along.

Backed by a driving beat and his natural Southern charm, John’s vocals soared with clarity and confidence, capturing the heart-pounding urgency and grit of the classic Garth Brooks hit. Whether it was his commanding stage presence or his seamless connection with the audience, John proved that he’s not just a singer—he’s a full-blown entertainer.

The judges were quick to praise his charisma, vocal strength, and ability to own the moment, with one judge calling it “a performance that could easily hold its own on a stadium tour.” The crowd echoed that sentiment, giving him a raucous round of applause that felt more like a standing ovation at a country music festival.

With this performance, John Foster just might have established himself as American Idol’s next country powerhouse—and a serious contender for the title. Don’t blink, because this cowboy’s just getting started.

American Idol‘s Season 23 Top 24 are vying for America’s votes for the first time. Sunday night’s episode showed the first dozen hopefuls take the stage at Disney’s Alauni Resort in Hawaii. Mentored by Ashanti and Jelly Roll, the twelve sang for a live crowd, performing songs that they chose themselves.

Among those who performed Sunday was Mississippi school teacher and dad of two, Jamal Roberts. Roberts first wowed the judges with his audition performance of “Mary Jane.” After his audition, Lionel Richie praised his ability to tell a story. Luke Bryan agreed, saying that Jamal had a Southern soulfulness and was singing from his heart.

Those qualities came through in Roberts’ Hollywood Week performances. Viewers watched him deliver flawless Teddy Swims and Chris Stapleton covers, ultimately earning a place in the Top 24.

Jamal Roberts chose to bring his own twist to a Jelly Roll hit for his Top 24 performance.

Jamal took the stage to perform “Liar,” a song released by Jelly Roll in 2024 as a single from his album, Beautifully Broken. Jelly Roll debuted the song at the Grand Ole Opry and didn’t intend to release it as a single.

But after he performed it again at the ACM Awards a month later, fans embraced the song and encouraged him to release it. Three months later, it officially became a single.

 

“Liar” was co-written by Jelly Roll and calls out the voice, telling him he isn’t worth anything and trying to convince him to continue in his addictions. Jamal Roberts brought conviction and his own story to the performance.

Prior to his performance, Roberts told Jelly Roll and mentor Ashanti that he wants to show the “young fellas that you ain’t gotta have a gun. You ain’t got to sell drugs … Everybody can chase their dream and be a better person.”

Jelly Roll couldn’t hold back his tears as he listened to Jamal’s rehearsal.

“You brought a tear to me, Jamal. Man, that wasn’t a performance. You were testifying. I feel the pain in your voice. You can’t teach that. I am your champion. You are representing a group of misrepresented people.”

Jamals energy and conviction made for one of the most powerful performances of the night. Judge Lionel Richie told the singer that if he “had passed the collection plate, I would have given all the money.”

Carrie Underwood described the performance as “a possession.” Luke Bryan agreed. “Every time you sing, you sing like it might be the last time you ever sing. That’s how you have to approach this business. You have to give it your all.”

Watch Jamal Roberts’ incredible performance of “Liar” in the video below. And tune in Monday night (April 14) to see if he advances to the Top 20.

Jamal Roberts wowed the American Idol judging panel with his unique rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar.”

American Idol‘s Season 23 Top 24 are vying for America’s votes for the first time. Sunday night’s episode showed the first dozen hopefuls take the stage at Disney’s Alauni Resort in Hawaii. Mentored by Ashanti and Jelly Roll, the twelve sang for a live crowd, performing songs that they chose themselves.

Among those who performed Sunday was Mississippi school teacher and dad of two, Jamal Roberts. Roberts first wowed the judges with his audition performance of “Mary Jane.” After his audition, Lionel Richie praised his ability to tell a story. Luke Bryan agreed, saying that Jamal had a Southern soulfulness and was singing from his heart.

Those qualities came through in Roberts’ Hollywood Week performances. Viewers watched him deliver flawless Teddy Swims and Chris Stapleton covers, ultimately earning a place in the Top 24.

Jamal Roberts chose to bring his own twist to a Jelly Roll hit for his Top 24 performance.

Jamal took the stage to perform “Liar,” a song released by Jelly Roll in 2024 as a single from his album, Beautifully Broken. Jelly Roll debuted the song at the Grand Ole Opry and didn’t intend to release it as a single.

But after he performed it again at the ACM Awards a month later, fans embraced the song and encouraged him to release it. Three months later, it officially became a single.

 

“Liar” was co-written by Jelly Roll and calls out the voice, telling him he isn’t worth anything and trying to convince him to continue in his addictions. Jamal Roberts brought conviction and his own story to the performance.

Prior to his performance, Roberts told Jelly Roll and mentor Ashanti that he wants to show the “young fellas that you ain’t gotta have a gun. You ain’t got to sell drugs … Everybody can chase their dream and be a better person.”

Jelly Roll couldn’t hold back his tears as he listened to Jamal’s rehearsal.

“You brought a tear to me, Jamal. Man, that wasn’t a performance. You were testifying. I feel the pain in your voice. You can’t teach that. I am your champion. You are representing a group of misrepresented people.”

Jamals energy and conviction made for one of the most powerful performances of the night. Judge Lionel Richie told the singer that if he “had passed the collection plate, I would have given all the money.”

Carrie Underwood described the performance as “a possession.” Luke Bryan agreed. “Every time you sing, you sing like it might be the last time you ever sing. That’s how you have to approach this business. You have to give it your all.”

Watch Jamal Roberts’ incredible performance of “Liar” in the video below. And tune in Monday night (April 14) to see if he advances to the Top 20.

Kellie Pickler is one of the most impressive contestants of American Idol as she finished in sixth place on the fifth season. Her genuine voice and charming personality quickly won fans over. Not long after her season, she made waves in the country music scene.

It was her heartfelt performance at the 2007 CMA Awards that revealed a deeper, more emotional side of the beloved southern star.

In her heartfelt rendition of “I Wonder,” Kellie Pickler opened up about the pain of her childhood abandonment. The song delves into her feelings of loss from not having her mother around during key moments in her life.

Pickler sang, “I think about how it ain’t fair/That you weren’t there to braid my hair/Like mothers do/You weren’t around to cheer me on/Help me dress for my high school prom.” The lyrics touch on the absence of simple joys and support.

By the final chorus, Pickler struggled to hold back tears but finally broke down in the middle of the performance. The audience responded with heartfelt applause and cheers, deeply moved by her courageous expression of personal pain.

It is reported that since that touching moment, Pickler’s mother has tried to reconnect with her, primarily through public media. She has used this chance to speak out against domestic violence, which she blames for the lost connection to her daughter.