American Idol 2025 just finished and crowned a winner less than a month ago, but we're still thinking about the most recent season and all the talent it showcased. It was definitely hard to choose one champ, as it usually goes, though this year's winner certainly did deserve it. And that would be Jamal Roberts!
The 27-year-old from Meridian, Mississippi, was able to win America's heart with his final three performances during the results night with his renditions of "First Time," "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," and "Heal." He officially won on May 18, 2025 when the American Idol season 23 finale aired. However surprisingly, he still hasn't received his prize money of $250,000 yet.
Speaking to Us Weekly, Roberts teased that he doesn't "know where it is. I’m interested in knowing.” Um, I don't blame him! Though when he does get his hands on it, the singer shared that he doesn't plan on making any "big splurges" and instead will do the responsible thing of putting the prize in the bank. Makes perfect sense! He does have three young daughters, so I'm sure he was thinking of them when making that decision.
When Jamal Roberts might get his American Idol cash prize
Even though it's unknown when at this moment, of course the American Idol winner will receive his money. Plus along with the cash prize, he does also get a recording contract. And that may actually hint at when the winner does get the money eventually.
Former season 16 winner in 2018 Maddie Poppe told Business Insider that she also received the same amount of $250,000, though that number is before taxes. As all of us U.S. citizens know, Uncle Sam takes a pretty significant cut from any income we receive, including winning a competition series.
She told the outlet that she received half the amount before recording the album, and the second half came once the album was finished. So I guess if the same goes for Roberts, the hold up could be dependent on when he is set to go into the studio to make his debut record. We can't wait to hear it!
The latest American Idol winner took home the prize after competing with his fellow Top 3 contestants runner-up John Foster and third place winner Breanna Nix. Though I'm sure both will go on to have successful music careers, because they're just as talented as well! In fact, Nix has already gotten her original song at No. 1 in the Billboard charts, which is awesome to see.
American Idol 2026, or season 24, has already been confirmed by ABC and it's likely the new season will arrive early next year. Though which judges are set to return is not known yet. It seems like Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are eager to come back, while Carrie Underwood may not be in the same boat. Though we could be wrong! Let's see what the network announces. It will be exciting to get a fresh round of aspiring Idol hopefuls to cheer for!
American Idol 2026 is expected to premiere early next year on ABC.