From School Bus Duty to Chart-Topping Star: Jamal Roberts Stays Grounded After ‘American Idol’ Victory
Just days after winning Season 23 of American Idol on May 18, 2025, Jamal Roberts traded the bright lights of Los Angeles for the bustling streets of New York, diving headfirst into media appearances. He lit up the stage on Good Morning America, charmed viewers on Live with Kelly & Mark, and took his first steps into the national spotlight.
But while the world was getting to know America’s newest Idol, Roberts was already thinking about home.
“New York was amazing, don’t get me wrong,” he shared on social media, “but I couldn’t wait to get back to Meridian.”
And that’s exactly what he did.
Back to His Roots — and Bus Duty
The 27-year-old Mississippi native didn’t waste any time returning to what matters most: family, friends, and his community. Roberts was eager to reunite with his daughters — Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and newborn Gianna Grace — and just as eager to get back to Crestwood Elementary, where he worked as a beloved physical education teacher before Idol fame came calling.
Within days of his win, “Coach Jamal” was back on campus, sporting a walkie-talkie and helping kids get to their buses in a Facebook Live video that quickly went viral.
“He’s back for a little while,” one staffer said in the video, laughing as Roberts perched on a lunchroom table, surrounded by cheering teachers. “He came back home to be his authentic self! And he’s on bus duty — he sure is.”
Even with his debut single “Heal” soaring to the top of the iTunes charts, Roberts hasn’t let fame pull him away from his roots.
“I wasn’t teaching for the paycheck,” he told USA Today. “It was always about the kids. They’re my inspiration. Even if I can’t be there every day anymore, I’ll still show up when I can.”
Meridian Throws a Celebration Fit for a Star
And his hometown is showing up for him, too. On May 30, the city of Meridian will host a massive “Celebration for Jamal Roberts” concert at 7 p.m., following the explosive success of his hometown mini-concert at City Hall during his Idol homecoming — which drew a staggering 20,000 fans.
The upcoming concert is free and open to the public, with $50 VIP tickets available for fans who want a closer view of the rising star. Lawn chairs and local pride are encouraged.
Meridian has officially declared May 14 “Jamal Roberts Day,” honoring the singer’s achievements and the joy he’s brought to their small Southern city.
From the Barbershop to the Big Stage
Since returning home, Roberts has been soaking in some well-earned downtime — bonding with baby Gianna, reconnecting with old friends, and even getting a fresh cut at Exclusive Cuts, as shared by local barber Dermaine Johnson on Facebook.
But the break won’t last long. Roberts is headed to Nashville for CMA Fest on June 4, and already has several high-profile performances lined up across Mississippi. On August 8, he’ll take the stage at the legendary Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi — a gig that sold out even before his Idol win.
Then on September 19, he’ll headline “A Night of Soul, Celebration, & Support for Alcorn State Athletics” at the Jackson Convention Complex. Tickets for that show start at $110, with VIP tables going for $1500.
Staying True to Himself
Despite the whirlwind of fame, Jamal Roberts is keeping it real. Whether he’s performing on national television or helping kids get to their buses on time, one thing’s clear: He hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
“He loves his Crestwood family,” the school’s staffer said with pride. And from the looks of it, that love is mutual — from Meridian to music fans across the country.
