Jamal Roberts Shares What He Wants To Do After Winning “American Idol”
on May 22, 2025

American Idol Crowned A New Champion On May 18
Jamal Roberts is your American Idol!
The 27-year-old PE teacher and father of three was named the newest winner of American Idol during the Season 23 finale on May 18. The crowning moment came at the end of the three-hour finale, which featured performances from the Top 3, the judges, and several special guests.
Country singer John Foster came in second place, while powerhouse vocalist Breanna Nix placed third.
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While specifics about what Jamal will receive for winning Idol remain unknown, recent history points toward his potential prize. Season 16 winner Maddie Poppe told Business Insider:
“You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes. And you get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it’s just like an advance from the record deal, but I’m pretty sure I have to recoup it.”
Newsweek echoes Maddie’s comments, reporting:
“The winner of American Idol 2025 will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records, along with significant industry exposure, mentorship opportunities, and a cash prize that has historically been in the range of $125,000 to $250,000.“
Jamal Roberts Lists Everything He Hopes To Do After Winning American Idol
Whenever someone wins American Idol, fans are curious to learn what they plan to do next. Feeding that curiosity, Jamal shared his post-Idol plans in an interview with Entertainment Tonight shortly after the finale aired.
For starters, Jamal wants to spend lots of time with his three daughters, including his newborn baby girl, Gianna. He said, “I can’t wait to get home.”
He also joked that he plans to take a nice nap now that the finale is over. With a laugh, he said the next step after that nap is to “hopefully” take the music industry by storm.
“I want Grammys…whatever God has to offer for me, I want it,” he said.
A record-setting 26 million people voted during the Season 23 finale, doubling the votes cast for the previous year’s season. Hearing that stat has left Jamal in awe.
He said, “So many people believed in me, and that just gives me that urge to keep moving and keep pushing.”
Watch the video below to hear more about what Jamal Roberts has planned after winning American Idol. Congratulations to him!