After months of competing on “American Idol,” it came down to three talented singers — Breanna Nix, John Foster and Jamal Roberts — vying to win season 23 on May 18, 2025. Midway through the live three-hour finale, host Ryan Seacrest revealed which contestant landed in third place based on the live votes cast so far.
Spoiler Alert: If you do not want to know who got third place in season 23 of “American Idol,” do not continue to read. And, if you do not want to know who the winner is, stop reading.
Standing at center stage with all three contestants, Seacrest announced that the contestant who came in third was…Breanna Nix. The other two then carried on with the finale — but placing third doesn’t mean amazing things aren’t possible, as many other third-place finishers on “American Idol” have had great careers.
And who won at the end of the night? Jamal Roberts!
Is Live Voting Fair? ‘American Idol’ Executive Producer Says Yes
Rather than giving viewers overnight to vote for their favorite contestants, a strategy that shows like “The Voice” typically use for their finales, “American Idol” fans have to cast their votes during a short window while the show is airing live. The results are announced in real time, including the third place finisher.
Some fans have expressed concern that the voting window is not long enough or is unfair for those who can’t watch live. But “American Idol” executive producer and showrunner Meghan Wolflick, who’s been with the show since its inception, told Gold Derby on May 15 that they’ve found overnight voting versus live voting rarely makes an impact on results.
“It’s pretty consistent,” she told the outlet. “And I do think that people are now used to it, so they’re adjusted to the idea that, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to vote by the end of the show, or else that’s it.’ It’s pretty amazing that 22 million votes came in last week. The fact that we can still generate that amount of fan passion in that two-hour stretch is pretty awesome.”
”American Idol’ 3rd Place Singers Have Still Found Success After Show
BBR Music/David BradleyNix, Roberts, and Foster had a whirlwind week of preparation for the finale after being named to the top 3 during the May 12 live show. Although they obviously all wanted to win the show, there’s still a great opportunity to advance their music careers after gaining so much exposure and new fans via “American Idol.”
Multiple third-place finishers have gone on to have big music careers, including country star Gabby Barrett (who placed third on season 16), “Victoria’s Secret” hitmaker JAX (who placed third in season 14), and successful contemporary Christian artists Elliott Yamin (season five), Melinda Doolittle (season six), and Danny Gokey (season eight).
Season 21 contestant Colin Stough, who placed third behind Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle, signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville, the record label partner of “American Idol.” He released his debut southern rock album in the fall of 2023, tours regularly, and put out his latest single, “White Trash,” on May 2 — described as a “battle cry for the outcast.”
Meanwhile, Season 22 contestant Jack Blocker moved from Texas to Nashville with his wife Georgia after placing third on “American Idol” in 2024. He has toured regularly, including with country artists Drake Milligan and Justin Wells, and has concert dates scheduled throughout the summer. Blocker will release his latest single, “Azalea,” on May 30.
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Who Got 3rd Place in ‘American Idol’ 2025 Finale? (SPOILER)