On May 18, 2025, Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, etched his name into American Idol history as the Season 23 winner, becoming the first Black man to claim the title in 22 years since Ruben Studdard’s victory in 2003. With a record-breaking 26 million votes—the highest in the show’s history on ABC—Roberts’ soulful performances and heartfelt authenticity resonated with viewers across the nation. But for Roberts, the celebration was twofold: just one day before his crowning moment, he welcomed his third daughter, Gianna Grace, into the world. This extraordinary convergence of personal and professional triumphs has made Roberts’ Idol journey one of the most memorable in the show’s 23-year run, showcasing the power of perseverance, family, and the pursuit of dreams.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Resilience
Jamal Roberts’ path to American Idol glory was anything but easy. Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts grew up in a community he described as far from “peaches and cream,” where crime rates often made residents hesitant to speak out or even step outside. Despite these challenges, Roberts found solace in music from a young age. He began singing at the age of two, nurtured by a deeply religious family—his paternal grandfather was a bishop, and his maternal grandfather a deacon. Church became his first stage, where he sang hymns, covered Motown classics like The Temptations and Michael Jackson, and even played the drums. “I was in church every time the door opened,” Roberts shared in an interview with Billboard. His early talent shone through in talent shows, which he won consistently, though he never joined a choir or performed in musicals, preferring to sing in the privacy of his room.
Before American Idol, Roberts had already faced the highs and lows of the music industry. In 2020, he competed on BET’s gospel-themed singing competition Sunday Best, finishing in the top three. The experience, while a milestone, also brought heartbreak. “It broke my heart a little bit,” Roberts told WLBT, reflecting on being told he wasn’t good enough. Yet, that setback only thickened his skin and fueled his determination. He also released a self-written single, “He’s Preparing Me,” in 2020, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft despite his full-time role as a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary in Meridian.
Roberts’ journey on American Idol itself was a testament to his resilience. This wasn’t his first attempt at the show—he had auditioned twice before, facing rejection both times. His first audition ended with judges telling him he was too young and needed vocal training, while the second time, he was unprepared with a second song when asked to perform again. “I didn’t get defeated. I never gave up. I took the no,” Roberts told Billboard. His third audition, in 2025, proved to be the charm. Performing Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” Roberts earned three yeses from judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, securing his golden ticket to Hollywood. From there, he never looked back, delivering standout performances week after week, from Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” to Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” which the guest mentor declared “Jamal’s song” after Roberts’ rendition surpassed the original.
A New Baby Amid the Spotlight
As Roberts navigated the grueling American Idol competition, his personal life was undergoing a profound transformation. He was already a proud father to two daughters, Harmoni, 6, and Lyrik, 4, whose names reflected his love for music. The girls became familiar faces on the show, cheering from the audience during his audition and joining him on stage during the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night” episode. Their presence was a constant source of motivation for Roberts, who often spoke of his desire to “keep smiles on those little faces.” But on May 17, 2025—just one day before the American Idol finale—Roberts’ family grew even larger with the birth of his third daughter, Gianna Grace.
Roberts had first revealed the news of Gianna’s birth earlier in the competition, during the Top 8 episode on May 5. In a pre-taped segment, he shared, “I did have a beautiful baby girl. It was so personal to me that I did not share it right away, but I have a healthy, beautiful baby girl that was born today.” However, later reports clarified the timeline: Gianna was born on May 17, as confirmed by Roberts’ own social media post on May 16, where he introduced her to the world, writing, “Hey world, meet my little ladybug, Gianna Grace Roberts. I’m so proud to be her father #girldadforlife #idol.” The discrepancy in the initial announcement likely stemmed from the show’s filming schedule, but the joy of the moment was undeniable. Fans flooded social media with congratulations, with one writing, “She’s just as beautiful and adorable as her big sisters! Congrats Jamal! Now go win Idol!!!!”
The timing of Gianna’s birth added an emotional layer to Roberts’ Idol journey. As he prepared for the biggest night of his career, he was also grappling with the profound responsibility of fatherhood. “I’ve been an emotional wreck these last couple days,” Roberts admitted during the Top 8 episode, reflecting on how his new daughter inspired his performance of Fantasia’s “I Believe.” He connected the song to his life as a father and teacher, saying, “Right now, where I stand in this competition, it’s love that I feel lifting me higher, for real. It’s the love from my hometown, from my kids.” The performance moved judges and guest mentor Jelly Roll to tears, showcasing the depth of emotion Roberts brought to the stage.
The Finale: A Double Celebration
The American Idol Season 23 finale was a night of high stakes and Southern charm, with the final three contestants—Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix—all hailing from the South. Foster, an 18-year-old country singer from Louisiana, and Nix, a 25-year-old pop-country/Christian artist from Texas, delivered strong performances, but Roberts’ versatility and emotional depth set him apart. After Nix was eliminated in third place, the competition came down to Roberts and Foster. Roberts performed The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” and Teeks’ “First Time,” followed by his crowning performance of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart,” which sealed his victory.
Host Ryan Seacrest announced that Roberts had won with 26 million votes, the largest finale vote in the show’s history on ABC. The moment was historic: Roberts became the second Black man to win American Idol, following Studdard, and the second Mississippian, after Trent Harmon in Season 15. Meridian erupted in celebration, having already thrown a massive parade for Roberts’ homecoming earlier in the month, drawing a crowd of 20,000—over half the town’s population of 33,500. “Thank you, God!! Thank you, America!! Thank you, Meridian!” Roberts wrote on Instagram after making the Top 3, a sentiment he echoed after his win.
But for Roberts, the victory was bittersweet without his newborn by his side. Speaking to USA Today on the Idol red carpet after the finale, he shared his immediate plans: “I’m going to see my daughter, Gianna, who’s nine days old. I’ve got a lot of making up to do.” The emotional weight of being away from his family during such a pivotal moment was evident throughout the competition. Roberts had struggled with the distance, but his daughters’ presence at key moments—like Harmoni and Lyrik falling asleep in his arms during the finale—kept him grounded. “I love my daughters. They are my world, my life,” he told Parade. “They’re the reason I’m here and working so hard.”
A Cultural Milestone and a Father’s Legacy
Roberts’ win carried significant cultural weight. As the first Black man to win American Idol in over two decades, his victory highlighted the show’s evolving landscape and the power of representation. His R&B/soul style, which seamlessly blended gospel, country, and contemporary influences, broadened the show’s appeal, though it also sparked debate among fans who favored the country-heavy performances of Foster and Nix. “Jamal’s gift aligned with the Universe for a time such as this!” one fan wrote on GoldDerby, reflecting the sentiment of those who saw his win as a long-overdue milestone.
For Roberts, the win was also a chance to bring light to Meridian, a city he hopes to uplift through his success. “There’s potential in this city, and it could be a whole lot better than what it is,” he said during the competition. As a P.E. teacher, he aimed to inspire his students at Crestwood Elementary, hoping they would “learn to be themselves” through his journey. His story—of overcoming rejection, balancing fatherhood, and staying true to his roots—resonated deeply with viewers, making him a relatable and inspiring champion.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With a $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings, Roberts is poised for a promising career. His new single, “Heal,” originally performed during the finale, has already garnered attention for its emotional depth. But for now, his focus is on family. “I’m going to take a nap,” he told People with a laugh, before adding his plans to reunite with Gianna and his older daughters. Judge Luke Bryan, who had predicted Roberts’ win, praised his authenticity: “He really moves me. I am really a fan of him.”
Jamal Roberts’ American Idol journey is a testament to the power of timing—both in music and in life. Welcoming Gianna Grace just one day before his historic win, he proved that the greatest victories are those shared with the ones we love. As he steps into the spotlight, Roberts carries with him the love of his family, the pride of Meridian, and the hope of a generation inspired by his voice and his heart.
