21523. That’s the phone number I texted every Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. sharp, casting my vote for who I believed should become this year’s American Idol. Each week, the number of contestants I voted for slowly dwindled down until only one remained.
This season of “American Idol” was one for the history books. I have been watching the show for as long as I can remember. It has always been a staple show in my family, but it wasn’t until this year that I truly realized how impactful and powerful it could be. Idol has always been about more than music. It’s about dreams, growth, strength and the magic that happens when someone is brave enough to believe in themselves and sing their hearts out.
One of the most anticipated moments this season was the return of Idol legend Carrie Underwood. This time, though, not as a contestant, but as a judge. I remember hearing all the promo for Underwood’s return to the Idol stage, but nothing could have prepared anyone for what she was going to bring to the show. I could instantly tell how much the contestants valued her feedback. She understood exactly what they were going through, every nerve, every high, every doubt, because she had lived it herself 20 years ago.
Underwood joined the judging team of Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, taking the place of Katy Perry so that she could go on her Lifetime’s tour. From the moment auditions began, the three judges’ chemistry was undeniable. I could feel the connection between them through the screen. Adding to that dynamic was the show’s first-ever artist-in-residence, Jelly Roll, who mentored the singers throughout the season.
And of course, at the center of it all was the iconic Ryan Seacrest. There’s simply no show without him. He brings a light to the stage that no one else can, making every moment, even the small ones, feel funny and unforgettable. This season, he especially enjoyed playing with Jelly Roll’s name, often sneaking in a pun like, “Jelly is on a roll tonight with his song choices.”
Then came the night everyone waits for, May 18, the grand finale. Only three contestants remained: John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix.
Foster has a voice that brings back the golden age of country music. His old country tone and natural stage presence made him a crowd favorite. I never would’ve guessed, based on his audition, that he’d make it this far. He was good, not great, but Underwood saw potential in him and fought to keep him in the competition. Week after week, he defied the odds and grew into an artist worthy of the finale. He is the definition of what “American Idol” is all about.
Roberts was my favorite from day one. His voice defies genre—it’s rooted in R&B, but he adds something uniquely his own to every song. As Richie said best, Roberts can “Jamalirize” any track. But beyond his talent, it was his story that first captured my heart. A P.E. teacher from Mississippi and a father of two daughters with the cutest names possible, Lyric and Harmonie, Roberts brought warmth and authenticity to every performance. I’ve been his number one fan since that intro package aired, and I am so glad about that.
Then there was Nix. Her voice is the resemblance of a powerhouse. Her control and ability to hold a note were unmatched. But what made her special was her story. During her audition, she humbly introduced herself as “just a stay-at-home mom,” and Underwood immediately corrected her, “Never say, just a stay-at-home mom.” That moment resonated with so many viewers, mothers especially, who saw themselves in Nix. She became a symbol of strength, chasing her dream while also being a mom first.
The finale was nothing short of spectacular. From The Goo Goo Dolls to Cody Johnson to Salt-N-Pepa, artists from every genre performed on the stage, turning the night into a true celebration of music.
Throughout the season, Foster stuck true to himself, singing legendary country songs. A few of my favorite songs he sang were “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, “Believe” sung by Brooks and Dunn, which is so beautiful, and his voice just radiates the emotion of the song.
Roberts was able to sing any song from any genre and make it sound like perfection. My favorite song he sang this season was “Liar” by Jelly Roll, and, on finale night, he and Jelly Roll did a duet together of the song, and it was beautiful hearing the contrast of their voices. They made it sound like that is how it was meant to be. Roberts also sang one of his original songs, “Heal,” which is about his life and his achievements, and the things he has overcome.
Nix was able to use her voice to her advantage, making every song she sang so powerful. On the finale night, she sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, and she did a spectacular job holding the last note and making it all come together. During the season, she sang “Water Under The Bridge” by Adele, and hearing her sing it was mesmerizing.
Then the moment came when the lights dimmed for a final time this year on the Idol stage, and only two contestants remained: Foster and Roberts. Tension was high throughout the stadium, but beneath all of that was love. Love for the season, love for the contestants, love for the judges and love for the journey everyone has been on together.
With over 26 million votes sent to the iconic number, 21523, number 12 was sent in more, making Jamal Roberts the winner of this season of “American Idol.”
Immediately after I heard that, my eyes started watering with joy. Roberts has been my number one since the beginning, and seeing him grow and stay true to himself was incredibly inspiring because he earned it.
Season 22 of “American Idol” was pure magic. I discovered new artists, connected deeply with their stories, and found my love for music growing stronger than ever.
