The “American Idol” three-hour, season 23 finale kicked off on May 18, 2025, with John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts competing for the title of the next “American Idol.”
Here are all the performances from the incredible finale:
The Three Finalists Unite For ‘We Are The Champions’
To kick off the show, Roberts, Nix, and Foster performed Queen’s hit song, “We Are the Champions.”
John Foster Performs ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (the Angry American)’
Foster kicked off the night with the first solo performance, singing Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (the Angry American),” which was picked by Jelly Roll.
Foster dedicated the performance to military veterans including his grandfathers, who were in the audience.
“It would be the absolute honor of a lifetime if they think this little ‘ol boy from Louisiana’ could be the next ‘American Idol,’” he said.
Jamal Roberts Performs ‘First Time’
Artist-in-residence Jelly Roll recalled Roberts’ performing Teeks’ “First Time” on TikTok in 2024, so he knew that was the perfect song for the finale. As he performed, the father of three connected with the audience, grabbing the hands of those in the audience with a huge smile on his face.
“You are just so talented,” Carrie Underwood told him after the performance.
“Will you teach me how to be that smooth?,” Luke Bryan added.
“What I love about you is the way you just navigate the story, it happens to come out of your mouth in brilliant form,” Lionel Richie stated.
Breanna Nix Performs ‘In Jesus Name (God of Possible)’
Artist-in-residence Jelly Roll chose Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” for Nix’s first song, “because your faith anchors you.”
As she performed, her four-year-old son Emerson stole the show, as the cameras showed him fast asleep in the audience. But it was a surprise that he didn’t wake up as the audience roared with applause after she finished.
“Just keep singing the music that you love,” judge Luke Bryan said.
John Foster Performs ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’
After an emotional return to Addis, Louisiana, Foster performed Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.
Jamal Roberts Performs ‘Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)’
Roberts returned to his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, where he met his newborn and spent time with his daughters. In honor of his trip, he performed The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).”
“I cannot believe you’ve been in a schoolroom teaching kids, and you go from that to what you’re able to do in front of us,” Bryan said and added that he’s “one of the most amazing people I’ve ever seen on this show.”
Breanna Nix Performs ‘The Climb’
Nix returned to her hometown of Denton, Texas, where she said ‘American Idol’ is the “best thing to happen” to her other than the birth of he son. In honor of her trip, she performed Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” which Bryan called the “perfect song choice.”
Salt-N-Pepa Performs Medley With The ‘Ladies of the Top 14’
Following the finalists’ solo performances, Salt-n-Pepa came out onto the stage and was joined by the “ladies of the top 14” to perform a medley of the group’s top hits.
Good Charlotte Performs Medley With The 14 Guys
Good Charlotte was joined by the guys from the top 14 for a performance of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
Luke Bryan Performs With John Foster
Runner-up John Foster performed with Luke Bryan in the finale, as the two sang Randy Travis’ “Deeper Than the Holler.”
Kirk Franklin Performs With Canaan James Hill
Gospel singer Kirk Franklin was joined on stage by Canaan James Hill, who made it to the Top 10. Together, they performed “Melodies from Heaven” and “Love Theory.”
Goo Goo Dolls Perform With Mattie Pruitt
Mattie Pruitt, who made it to the Top 7, got the opportunity to perform with the Goo Goo Dolls, singing their hit, “Iris.”
Brandon Lake Performs With Breanna Nix
Nix, who finished in third place, joined contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake for a performance of his song, “Daddy’s DNA.”
Jennifer Holliday Performs With Gabby Samone
Gabby Samone, who finished in the top 7, performed “I Am Changing” alongside Jennifer Holliday.
Jelly Roll Performs With Jamal Roberts
Jamal Roberts, who ultimately was named the winner of Season 23, joined Jelly Roll on stage to perform “Unpretty” and “Liar.”
Myles Smith Performs With Filo and Che
Filo and Ché Chesterman, who both finished in the top 12, performed “Nice to Meet You” and “Stargazing” with Myles Smith
PJ Morton Performs With Amanda Barise
Amanda Barise, who finished in the Top 14, performed “How Deep Is Your Love” alongside PJ Morton.
Patti LaBelle Performs With Kolbi Jordan
Kolbi Jordan’s wish came true as she performed “Lady Marmalade” with Patti LaBelle.
Carrie Underwood Performs With Slater Nally
Slater Nally, who finished in the top 5, performed “I’m Gonna Love You,” with judge Carrie Underwood. Cody Johnson, who was a part of the original duet with Underwood, joined the two on stage halfway through the performance.
War and Treaty Performs with Thunderstorm Artis
Top 5 contestant Thunderstorm Artis joined War and Treaty on stage to perform “Hey Driver.”
Jessica Simpson Performs With Josh King
Jessica Simpson took the stage for her first live TV performance in 15 years and was joined by Josh King, who made it to the top 8.
John Foster Performs His Single ‘Tell That Angel I Love Her’
John Foster was the runner-up of Season 23, and his final performance was of his new single ”Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
Jamal Roberts Performs His Single ‘Heal’
Jamal Adams was named the winner of Season 23 and celebrated by performing his new single ”Heal.”
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