Dim the lights: 'American Idol' names Jamal Roberts winner

Jamal Roberts takes title

Courtesy of ABC Media Relations

Jamal Roberts was named the winner of “American Idol” on Sunday’s season finale on ABC. He topped John Foster (second) and Breanna Nix (third).

The live, three-hour season finale delivered an unforgettable night of music, as America voted Roberts its next “American Idol.” The star-studded evening featured performances from Brandon Lake, Cody Johnson, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, PJ Morton, Salt-N-Pepa, and War and Treaty, as well as Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll.

Jamal Roberts (Disney photos by Christopher Willard)

Record ratings

“American Idol” wrapped its momentous season eight on ABC Sunday night with 6.36 million total viewers, rising over the previous week (up 21%; vs. 5.27 million) to score the show’s most-watched telecast in two years.

In addition, “American Idol” earned a 0.70 rating among adults 18-49, rising over the previous week (13%; vs. 0.62 rating) to deliver its best performance in the key adult demo since the show’s post-Oscars season premiere on March 2.

The “American Idol” season eight finale, in which 27-year-old Meridian, Mississippi, gym teacher Roberts was crowned champion, improved on the show’s season seven finale in both total viewers (14%, 6.36 million vs. 5.60 million) and adults 18-49 (11%, 0.70 rating vs. 0.63 rating).

The finale also performed above the season eight average in both total viewers (33%, 6.36 million vs. 4.79 million) and adults 18-49 (35%, 0.70 rating vs. 0.52 rating).

Sunday’s “American Idol” finale set a new voting record on ABC, with over 26 million votes cast for the finalists.

The show also surged past its own social record from last season, garnering 2.54 million total social interactions during the epic finale, becoming the No. 1 most social reality series and No. 1 most social episode of any primetime broadcast series year to date.

Source: Nielsen Fast National Live+Same Day Ratings for 5/18/25, or as dated. Talkwalker SCR.