The 2025 American Idol winner is Jamal Roberts — who joins the ranks of past successors like former contestant-turned-judge Carrie Underwood.
Season 23, which aired its finale on May 18, brought Underwood’s American Idol journey full circle, having won the singing competition 20 years prior in 2005. She is also the first alum to earn a seat at the judge’s table.
Reflecting on her victory and decades-long music career, Underwood said, “I think back and that’s a decision that changed my entire life — I have no idea where I’d be. And to see contestants get every opportunity they’ve ever wanted is just magical.”
After weeks of intense competition, Underwood, alongside her fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, witnessed Jamal be crowned the next American Idol winner and receive the show’s highly coveted grand prize, including the chance to record his own album.
The title of Idol champion brings a lot of opportunities for career growth, and in some cases, a hefty cash prize, too — albeit, the latter has varied over the years. But for others, like Jennifer Hudson, the exposure alone is enough to catapult their profile.
So, what does the winner of American Idol get? Here’s everything to know about the singing competition’s grand prize.
What does the winner of American Idol receive?
The winner of American Idol receives a recording contract and a substantial cash prize, though the amount has changed since the show started.
Speaking to Business Insider in July 2022, season 16 winner Maddie Poppe said the cash prize doesn’t exactly mean a person is “set for life.”
“You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes,” she said. “And you get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it’s just like an advance from the record deal, but I’m pretty sure I have to recoup it.”
The cash portion of the grand prize has fluctuated in the decades since American Idol first premiered. The show’s inaugural champion, Kelly Clarkson, reportedly walked away with a $1 million recording deal with RCA Records, according to Parade. In 2012, Phillip Phillips followed suit when he won season 11, per Today.
While appearing on the Taste of Country Nights, On Demand podcast in May 2022, season 19 winner Chayce Beckham confirmed his cash prize was under the previous $1 million threshold, and that he did not receive a free car or trophy.
What do the second and third place winners on American Idol get?
