Jessica Simpson’s American Idol 2025 finale performance faced backlash as Jamal Roberts made history by winning Season 23. Fans react on social media.
Jessica Simpson’s Comeback Divides Audience
On the May 18, 2025, season 23 finale, Jessica Simpson made her long-awaited return to the American Idol stage for the first time in fifteen years. Dressed in a shimmering gold outfit, Simpson backed Josh King while he performed a cover of her hit, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” and she also sang “Blame It on Me” from her EP, Nashville Canyon.However, viewers were not impressed.
Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), lit up with criticism. Many called the performance “awkward” and “painful.” One viewer wrote,
“The Jessica Simpson and Josh King performance may have been the most awkward thing I’ve ever seen on Idol.”
Another user bluntly posted,
“Jessica Simpson was painful. Who told her she could still sing?”
While some praised the nostalgic element, others questioned the decision to feature her at all during the high-stakes finale.
“American Idol is really pulling out the most random guests. Why is Jessica Simpson here?” one user quipped.
Jamal Roberts is named the Winner of American Idol Season 23
While Simpson’s performance raised a bit of controversy, the real story belongs to Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old PE teacher from Mississippi. With over 26 million votes being cast, Jamal Roberts won American Idol Season 23, trumping John Foster and Brena Nicks.His win is historic—Roberts is the first Black winner of American Idol since Ruben Studdard took the title in 2003 during Season 2.
For his final performance, Roberts delivered a moving cover of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” as the Top 14 contestants joined him on stage for a celebratory moment.
From Teacher to Idol: Jamal’s Inspirational Journey
Roberts’ journey began with modest goals and a memorable audition where judge Carrie Underwood told him he needed to “loosen up” and “find his swagger.” He received three “yes” votes, sending him to Hollywood Week.
Though initially uncertain of his song choices, Roberts soon found his groove with performances like the Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing,” Jelly Roll’s “Need a Favor,” and an emotional duet of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Throughout the season, judge Lionel Richie repeatedly praised him as a “God-sent talent” and described his journey as “divinely guided.”
After winning, Roberts humbly stated,
“I didn’t teach for money. I did it for the kids. They’re my inspiration. I hope I can still be part of their lives—even if just to show up and be a role model.”
He added that he was eager to return home to see his 9-day-old daughter, Giana, right after the finale.
Judges Reflect on the Finale — Will They Return?
The dramatic finale also had its lighter moments. Lionel Richie joked that he almost had a heart attack waiting for Ryan Seacrest to announce the winner.
“Just rip the card already!” he exclaimed. “That was torture!”
Carrie Underwood reminisced about her own winning moment nearly 20 years ago and admitted,
“My heart was pounding. It brought back so many memories.”
As for whether Richie, Underwood, and Luke Bryan will return as judges in 2026, nothing is confirmed.
“We haven’t started talks yet,” Bryan said. “We’ve been here eight years now.”
Executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that work on Season 24 is already underway with thousands of audition submissions received.
“We’re painting a fresh new canvas,” she said. “Season 24 holds a lot of potential.”
Season 23: A Recap
The 2025 season kicked off over two months ago with auditions in Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles. The show featured guest performances from legends like Salt-N-Pepa, Good Charlotte, and, of course, Jessica Simpson. Each finalist had standout duets—Jamal with Jelly Roll, John with Luke Bryan, and Brena with Brandon Lake.
In the end, it was Jamal Roberts’ authenticity, vocal range, and emotional connection that won over America.
As the confetti fell and Roberts held back tears, one thing was clear: a new idol had been born.