‘American Idol’ Fans Shocked Over 2025 Winner

When Ryan Seacrest announced the winner of “American Idol” season 23 at the end of a three-hour, star-studded finale on May 18, 2025, it sent shock waves across America.

Many fans were joyfully stunned that their favorite contestant — 27-year-old dad of three and P.E. teacher Jamal Roberts — won the competition, while others couldn’t believe the winner wasn’t one of their favorites — 18-year-old country crooner John Foster or 25-year-old stay-at-home mom Breanna Nix, who took third place.

Fans of ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Can’t Believe ‘America Got It Right’

Although Roberts had a lot of momentum behind him, drawing a crowd of 20,000 for a mini-concert during his hometown visit back to Meridian, Mississippi, many fans expected to be disappointed — especially since viewers had not chosen a Black man as the winner since Ruben Studdard in 2003.

Fans flooded social media after his win, expressing their shock and delight, including one who wrote, “Yes, yessssssdss❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏, America got it right this time. Am soooooo happy congratulations Jamal 🎊 👏 💐, you deserve this 🏆”

“The way my WHOLE HOUSE leapt to our feet, cheering, clapping, and crying,” someone else wrote, in an Instagram comment that drew hundreds of likes. “The most special moment for me was my 16 year old son smiling when he saw you holding your girls. You’re more than a singer, you’re an example, you’re what America doesn’t get to see – a Black man who is a father, an educator, a God fearing man. The singing is your calling, but your gift is who you are. THAT is why you are the American Idol!!! Proud of you, young Brother. Keep up the great work”

Another thrilled fan wrote, “I feel like we all did our part 🥂👏🏾 And to see you Win #AMERICANIDOL is something we all wish , hope and pray for this !!! When I tell you the world is celebrating you 🎉🎉🎉 You deserved this WIN‼️ The way I got a tab Bit emotional 😭 i didn’t know which direction I was going to fall during the moment he was going to say the winner ! Either On my back or my face !!!!! I’m sooooo happy for you and everyone that supported you from the very beginning!!!”

Even Roberts seemed stunned by his win, leaning back and covering his face after hearing his name called — and later falling to the ground to relish the moment, in a photo shared by Seacrest in his Instagram post.

Some Fans Were Upset John Foster or Breanna Nix Didn’t Win ‘American Idol’

Although the vast majority of comments on the “American Idol” social media feeds were positive about Roberts winning, there were still plenty of fans who were shocked and disappointed not to see Foster or Nix in the winner’s circle.

Foster wrote a gracious post soon after the finale ended, thanking his fans and the show. While many celebrated how far he’d come, others voiced their frustration, including one who wrote, “you were robbed!!!! you definitely should’ve won and i can’t wait to see what you give us in the future! ❤️❤️”

Another commented, “I’m shocked you did not win. You have an incredible voice and can’t wait to see what you do next. God bless you and your family. You’re a winner in my book. God be the Glory!! You have a fan for life.”

Some of Nix’s fans — who call themselves Nix Nation — were also stunned to see the aspiring Christian singer wind up in third place. Many wrote encouraging words on her gratitude post, shared midway through the finale, but others expressed how frustrated they were not to see her win.

One wrote, “Just want to get this off my chest…you were ROBBED!!! You did amazing! That “In Jesus Name” had me weeping … can’t wait to see where you go from here! ⭐️”

“Something isn’t right,” someone else wrote, “no way you were voted off. The other two are great, but you were unmatched.”