Tonight was the night when the search for the next singing sensation revealed the winner of American Idol for 2025 from among the Top 3 finalists: Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts and John Foster.
But first, the Top 3 had to sing for the final time on the American Idol stage. Each performed twice: a song selected by Artist in Residence Jelly Roll, who also mentored them and who also performed. Then a second song tht was their choice And they were mentored by none other than Artist in Residence Jelly Roll, who also performed.
Then there were the hometown visits: Breanna to Denton, TX; Jamal to Meridian, MS; and John to Addis, LA.
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In addition to the solo performances, the Top 3 and returning contestants from Season 8 on ABC (Season 23 overall) also performed duets with guest artists, including Brandon Lake, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle and Salt N Pepa.
Plus, judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie performed together.
Then America voted, and the new American Idol was named.
Everything to Know About American Idol 2026 – Including the Judges and How to Audition
Who went home tonight on American Idol 2025
Breanna Nix
John Foster
Who won American Idol 2025?
Jamal Roberts
Here’s how the night played out:
The show kicked off with a rousing version of Queen’s “We Are the Champions” performed by Brianna, Jamal and John.
JOHN FOSTER
Song: “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith
Lionel said: “That’s the way you work it for American Idol. Perfect song and you just nailed it, nailed it, nailed it.”
Related: Who Is The Late Friend To Whom John Foster Dedicated His Emotional American Idol Top 20 Song?
JAMAL ROBERTS
Song: “First Time” by Teeks
Carrie said: “You are just so talented. I feel tonight you feel so comfortable and at ease the way you’re looking at everyone. You look so comfortable, and you sound so comfortable. Congratulations on being here.”
BREANNA NIX
Song: “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” by Katy Nicole
Luke said: “I think they are saying it for me. Breanna, you’ve been amazingly solid all year week in and week out. You have such a special heart about you. You keep singing the uplifting music you always give us.”
JOHN FOSTER
Song: “Take Me Home, Country Road” by John Denver
Lionel said: “I am just going to say two things. I want to see your birth certificate [meaning he things John is older than he claims]. And vote, vote, vote.”
JAMAL ROBERTS
Song: “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
Carrie said: “You just did what you have been doing all seasons. You do something contemporary, and it fits, and you do a throwback, and it fits. You make it your own. And it all sounds new and fun.”
Related: American Idol‘s Jamal Roberts Reveals What Song He Wants to ‘Bring Out of the Hat’ This Season (Exclusive)
BREANNA NIX
Song: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
Luke said: “What a perfect song choice. I felt like I just watched a 6-minute movie. You took me on an incredible ride. What a feeling you gave me.”
Related: American Idol Stay-at-Home Mom Breanna Nix Talks Her Star-Making Turn: ‘I Feel Like I Belong Now’ (Exclusive)
Then host Ryan Seacrest called the Top 3 to the stage and one of them was eliminated. The first person to take a spot in the Top 2 was John Foster. The other person still in the running after the vote was Jamal Roberts, which meant that Breanna was eliminated.
After all the musical performances and more voting, there was a video packages reviewing the American Idol journey that John took to get to the finale.
Then he took the stage one final time for a performance of his original song “Tell That Angel That I Love Her.”
Next, it was Jamal’s turn. His single was “Heal.”
Finally, it was time for the reveal of the new American Idol for 2025. The winner is Jamal Roberts.
Related: ABC Announces Its Fall 2025-2026 Schedule
