The highly anticipated finale of American Idol Season 23 is set to air on May 18, 2025, from 8 PM to 11 PM ET on ABC. This exciting episode will feature three outstanding finalists: Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix, each vying for the coveted title of winner. Public voting will commence at the start of the show and will conclude at 10:50 PM ET, just before the last commercial break.
In addition to the nail-biting competition, viewers can look forward to stellar performances by renowned artists and beloved past contestants. The finale will culminate in the announcement of the winner, determined solely by the votes of the American public.
Analyzing Potential Winners for Season 23
The previous season’s winner, Abi Carter, entered the competition as a Platinum Ticket recipient, which allowed her to bypass several rounds before achieving victory. For Season 23, however, the competition is fierce, as all Platinum Ticket winners—Kolbi Jordan, Canaan James Hill, and Filo—have already been eliminated, increasing the unpredictability of the outcome.
1) Jamal Roberts
Jamal Roberts has impressed both judges and audiences with his remarkable performances since the initial audition stages. His strong showing has resulted in significant praise and a loyal fanbase across social media platforms, particularly X. Currently, his performance videos boast higher view counts than those of his fellow finalists.
According to BetUS.com.pa, a notable betting website, Jamal is currently favored to win with odds of -300, indicating a 75% probability of success. However, his preference for R&B music could pose a challenge, as many of American Idol’s prior winners have emerged from the country genre, which remains a fan favorite.
2) John Foster
John Foster has also captivated fans since the beginning of the season. Like Jamal, he has consistently wowed judges and audiences alike. YouTube views reveal that John trails Jamal but outperforms Breanna in viewer engagement. His current odds of +200 reflect a 28.5% chance of victory.
John received strong support from judge Carrie Underwood, who played a pivotal role in his journey by advocating for him during the auditions. After his performance of “Rainbow Connection,”she stated,
“I love that you’re standing here right now proving me right. If you ain’t real careful, you might just win this whole thing.”
3) Breanna Nix
Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom, entered the competition on a spontaneous decision. Her humble beginnings led her to unexpectedly capture the judges’ and audience’s hearts, propelling her to the top tier of the competition.
Despite her success, Breanna lags behind her competitors in YouTube views and has the lowest betting odds at +350, translating to a 22.2% chance of winning. It’s worth noting that the total probabilities for the finalists exceed 100 owing to the bookmaker’s margin.
Throughout the competition, Breanna has showcased her talent through emotionally resonant songs, which has helped her connect with voters who appreciate her authenticity and beliefs.
Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Finale
As the finale approaches, all three finalists possess the potential for victory. Nevertheless, the available data—encompassing YouTube views and betting odds—suggest a favorable outcome for Jamal Roberts. It is essential to remember, however, that the ultimate winner will be decided by the votes cast during the live performance on May 18. The excitement is palpable, and anything can happen on this decisive evening!
For the latest updates and news on American Idol Season 23, be sure to follow the show’s official Instagram account, @americanidol.