After winning season 23 of American Idol, Jamal Roberts became the second Black man to win the crown in the history of the singing competition. The first Black male winner was Ruben Studdard, who won the second season of American Idol in 2003.
This was Roberts’ third attempt at the competition. He was instantly a fan favorite after his rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane” won him a “yes” from all three judges, including previous champion Carrie Underwood, and a ticket to Hollywood at his audition.
The Mississippi native’s performance of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” won him the title on May 18. He celebrated his victory on Instagram, writing, “This isn’t the end…it’s just the beginning.”
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“From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol,” Roberts wrote on social media. “This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.”
Before stepping onto the Hollywood stage, Roberts taught PE at Crestwood Elementary School in Meridian. Roberts expressed in a March 2025 video package before a performance that he hoped his students would view him “as an inspiration and learn to be themselves.”
He also told USA Today that he does not intend to retire from teaching just yet.
“I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, [who are] just my inspiration,” he stated. “So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”
The groundbreaking winner was born with music in his bones. He was performing in church and singing Motown classics.
“I started singing at the age of two,” he told Billboard. “My grandparents found out I could sing, and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson.”
He explained that because his paternal grandfather was a bishop and his maternal one was a deacon, he was practically “in church every time the door opened,” especially because he was an usher, a chorister, and the drummer.
Though he didn’t participate in the choir or musicals during his years in school, he “won every talent show.” Years later, Roberts released his first self-written song, “He’s Preparing Me,” in 2020, according to People.
Per Billboard, his first American Idol audition was met with a “yes” and a “no.” He was told he was too young and needed vocal training. He tried again, and he advanced but was eliminated after he was asked to sing a second song, which he had not prepared for.
Still, he didn’t give up and kept the feedback he received, using it as motivation. The most impactful piece of feedback he received was a certain note from Judge Lionel Richie: “He said, ‘When you are on stage and get to doing what you’re doing, you’re exploding. I hate to see you leave.’”
“That stuck with me,” Roberts recalled. “It means I’m doing something right.”
Roberts is a father of three daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna, who was born days before the American Idol finale.
In his celebratory Instagram post after the finale, Roberts wrote, “Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”
The winner of American Idol receives a recording contract and a substantial cash prize, though the amount has changed since the show started.
Additionally, Roberts’ song, Heal, which he debuted during the show’s finale has come up as number 1 on iTunes. He expressed his appreciation, writing, “this is major, Thank You Everyone”
Meanwhile, social media has rejoiced with Roberts. His comments were filled with congratulatory messages and praises from fans.
One commented, “Can’t lie I cried like he was my brother who won ! I’ve said he was the winner for weeks!!!” Another wrote, “He was so far ahead of the “competition”… it was crazy! The most talented and versatile person won!”
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