Jamal Roberts won “American Idol” after a season of impressing judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, beating out John Foster and Breanna Nix.

The artist, 44, opened up about how she felt after singing her 2005 version of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking” alongside former “Idol” contestant Josh King. Simpson also performed her new tune “Blame Me.”

Explore how 'American Idol' prizes, like cash and record deals, have changed from Kelly Clarkson's win to Jamal Roberts in 2025

Host Ryan Seacrest said there were 26 million votes cast, which broke a record and was twice as many as for last year's finale.

Jamal Roberts wasn’t the only winner on Season 23 of American Idol. The show itself scored a big victory with the addition of past Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who joined Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table this year.

Jessica Simpson performed live for the first time in 15 years during the “American Idol” season finale on Sunday. The songstress joined former contestant Josh King to sing her 2005 hit “These Boots Are Made for Walking” along with a tease of her new song “Blame Me.