After a season filled with standout performances, emotional highs and crushing eliminations, American Idol Season 23 is down to its final showdown. The finale airs Sunday night in a live coast-to-coast broadcast on ABC. With John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts left standing, America will choose who takes home the crown.
The finale marks the culmination of a competition that began with hundreds of hopefuls. Along the way, the remaining contestants have become household names, showcasing vocal versatility and distinct musical identities. The winner will earn not only the title of American Idol but a career-defining prize package, joining a legacy of stars from Kelly Clarkson to Iam Tongi.
What Time Is the ‘American Idol’ Finale 2025 Tonight?
The live finale of American Idol Season 23 begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 18, and will run for three hours. Viewers will be able to cast their votes during the broadcast, and the winner will be announced by the end of the night at around 11 p.m. ET.
The finale will air live on ABC. The full episode will also be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
Who Is in the Top 3?
The final trio of American Idol Season 23—Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster—bring a diverse mix of musical talent to the stage. Roberts has stood out with his dynamic stage presence and rich vocal tone, consistently delivering crowd-pleasing performances. Nix has earned praise for her emotionally resonant singing style, capturing the audience with powerful ballads and heartfelt interpretations. Foster, known for his versatility, has demonstrated the ability to move seamlessly across genres, making him a reliable contender week after week.
Each of the three has carved a distinct identity throughout the competition, setting the stage for a closely watched finale. Earlier contenders Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley also left strong impressions—Artis with his original compositions and Nalley with his rapid artistic development—before the final cut was made.
What Prize Does the Winner Get?
As in past seasons, the winner of American Idol is expected to receive a recording contract with a major label, financial support for music production, and extensive promotional opportunities. While ABC has not publicly detailed the 2025 prize package, it typically includes cash advances and studio time, as well as partnerships with music producers and managers to launch the winner’s debut.
These resources have helped past winners transition from television contestants to successful artists in their own right.
What Has Happened in ‘American Idol’ 2025 So Far?
Season 23 of American Idol premiered with a special episode on March 2, 2025, followed by its official launch on March 9. The season began with hundreds of hopeful contestants auditioning virtually and in-person across the country. From there, standout singers advanced to Hollywood Week, where the competition intensified and early favorites began to emerge.
Among the highlights, returning artist Thunderstorm Artis impressed with his vocal talent, while high schooler Slater Nalley earned attention for his growth and consistent performances. Both advanced to the Top 5.
The season featured several themed performance nights, with “Disney Night” proving pivotal in shaping the competition ahead of the finale. Contestants were challenged to reinterpret classic Disney songs, performances that played a key role in determining the Top 3.
By the time the field narrowed, the Top 5 finalists were Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Thunderstorm Artis, and Slater Nalley. The final three who advanced to the finale were Roberts, Nix, and Foster—each bringing a distinct musical identity: Roberts with a dynamic stage presence, Nix with heartfelt emotional delivery, and Foster with his versatile, genre-spanning performances.
This season also introduced Jelly Roll as American Idol‘s first-ever artist-in-residence. He appeared in several episodes, performing and mentoring contestants. The judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—provided feedback and guidance throughout, with Underwood making her debut as a permanent judge.
Where Are the Past Winners Now?
Last year’s champion, Iam Tongi, has released multiple singles and performed at music festivals across the country. Season 20 winner Noah Thompson found success in country music, performing alongside genre staples and growing a loyal fanbase.
Original Idol Kelly Clarkson continues her reign as a TV host and recording artist, while Carrie Underwood—now a judge on the show—remains one of country music’s top-selling artists.
The show’s alumni roster includes Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino, and Phillip Phillips, each of whom leveraged the platform into enduring careers.
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