After weeks of competition and countless performances, American Idol’s latest season has come to an end with a new winner being crowned!
Of course, before a winner could be crowned, our Top 3 had to take to the stage once again for a series of performances, including a group performance from our Top 3 and two solo performances for America’s votes. In addition to those solo performances, the Top 3 each took to the stage to perform with some of the night’s special guests. There were also amazing performances from special guests and some of this season’s former contestants.
So, just what did the three-hour finale bring? Here’s a recap of the night’s performances as well as the results from the night!
American Idol Top 3 finale performances
The night opened with a performance from our Top 3 contestants: John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix. It seemed only fitting to have the trio open the night with a performance of “We Are the Champions” by Queen, and the trio kicked off the night with an amazing opening performance.
From there, it was time for the Top 3 to perform their final solos of the season, which led to some amazing performances.
John Foster
“Courtesy Of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith
Lionel called it the perfect song, which he felt he nailed. Carrie agreed that it was a perfect selection and the perfect time to pull out all the stops, gushing about how proud she is of his journey. Luke, meanwhile, added that his voice has just gotten better with each week.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Lionel encouraged everyone to vote after the incredible performance. Carrie loved seeing the home trip package and song choice, while Luke called it a beautifully done hometown performance.
Jamal Roberts
“First Time” by TEEKS
Carrie loved how at ease and comfortable Jamal was in her performance, praising his vocals as Luke jokingly asked him to teach him how to be so smooth. Closing the comments, Lionel noted how much he loves the way Jamal navigates the story through the song in such brilliant form.
“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
Carrie praised Jamal for his ability to perform any song with his incredible ability to make songs his own. Luke was overcome with emotions and couldn’t believe the journey that Jamal had taken, calling him one of the most amazing people he’s ever seen on the show. Lionel offered high praise, calling him someone who would rock the world.
Breanna Nix
“In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” by Katy Nichole
Luke praised Breanna for how amazingly solid she’s been all season. Lionel said faith has always shown through in her performances and encouraged her to stay on her path hinting that she should pursue gospel music in her career — which we fully agree! Meanwhile, Carrie loved how unashamedly Breanna has embraced her Faith throughout her time on the show, loving how her faith radiates from her and how she has managed to touch the fans through her powerful performances.
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
Luke praised Breanna for the unforgettable ride she took him on via her performance. Lionel called it the perfect song to accompany the perfect voice. Carrie called her an inspiration to so many who fans have connected with, including in tonight’s performance.
In addition to the amazing performances from the Top 3 designed to help give them the chance to perform for America’s votes one final time this season, the American Idol grand finale was full of incredible showstoppers! Here’s a quick recap of the finale performances from the night:
“Push It” performed by Salt-N-Pepa and “Shoop” and “What Man” performed by Salt-N-Pepa and the Top 14 Ladies
“The Anthem” performed by Good Charlotte, and “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” performed by Good Charlotte, Desmond Roberts and Top 14 Guys
“Country Song Came On” performed by Luke Bryan
“Melodies From Heaven” & “Love Therapy” performed by Kirk Franklin and Canaan James Hill
“Iris” performed by Goo Goo Dolls and Mattie Pruitt
“Daddy’s DNA” performed by Brandon Lake and Breanna Nix
“I Am Changing” performed by Jennifer Holliday and Gabby Samone
“Unpretty” & “Liar” performed by Jelly Roll and Jamal Roberts
“Nice to Meet You” performed by Myles Smith and “Stargazing” performed by Myles Smith, Che, and Flo.
“How Deep Is Your Love” performed by PJ Morton and Amanda Barise
“Lady Marmalade” performed by Patti LaBelle and Kolbi Jordan
“I’m Gonna Love You” performed by Carrie Underwood and Slater Nalley
“Hey Driver” performed by The War and Treaty and Thunderstorm Artis
“Blame Me” by Jessica Simpson and “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” performed by Jessica Simpson and Josh King
“Stuck On You” performed by Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie
American Idol finale results 2025
After the Top 3 performed their final songs for America’s votes at home, it was time for our first result of the night, roughly an hour into the three-hour performance show. Host Ryan Seacrest called the Top 3 out to the stage, where he confirmed he’d reveal the name of the artist who finished in third place.
Coming in third place this season was Breanna Nix. Honestly, this is one of the strongest Top 3s we’ve seen in recent seasons and there was no telling who would finish third, with all three deserving of the win. As Lionel said earlier in the show, there is no doubt Breanna will have a career ahead, and we hope she’ll find her lane in the gospel space!
In one final chance to sway the fans, John and Jamal each performed their winning songs. John kicked things off with his song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” followed by Jamal performing “Heal.” After the performances, it was clear America had a tough decision ahead, as they both delivered amazing performances, which proved they were more than worthy of the title of the next American Idol.
As the finale came to a close, Ryan brought John and Jamal both out to the stage for the final results of the night. With over 26 million votes cast — the biggest in American Idol history on ABC — the winner of the season was revealed to be Jamal Roberts!
With that, our season came to a close with one final performance from our new American Idol! Jamal certainly deserved to win the season and we know that he and John will both have a successful career following their time on American Idol! It was a tight battle right up to the end and there was really no losing with either Jamal or John winning as both have delivered some truly amazing performances over the season.
Now we'll wait until 2026 to see a new group of contestants begin their journeys in hopes of following in the footsteps of the show's many amazing winners.