After a thrilling season, American Idol has finally crowned its newest champion, Jamal Roberts. The season 23 finale, which aired on Sunday, May 18, saw Roberts emerge as the winner, beating out John Foster and Breanna Nix, who placed second and third, respectively.

Roberts, a gym teacher from Mississippi, first impressed the judges with his audition of "Mary Jane" by Rick James. The judges, including Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood, were blown away by his soulful performance.

"Man, you got some stuff in there and by the end, you were letting it come out. Just relax. You got the voice and you know how to tell a story. Priceless," said Lionel Richie.

Luke Bryan added, "What I love about it is it was really like southern soulfulness. Was it perfect? Was it flawless? No. But you're not trying to sing it perfectly and flawless. You're just singing it from the heart. And that's what I felt."

Carrie Underwood agreed, but felt that he needed to loosen up. "You got to loosen up. You need some swagger… Just loosen up and let your body match your voice," she advised.

After the semi-finals, Luke Bryan said he had a "gut feeling" Roberts would be a lead contender all year.

Read more about Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's courtside romance and Machine Gun Kelly's birthday celebration with his daughter.

American Idol will return for season 24 on ABC.

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