Since clinching the crown on American Idol Season 23 on May 18, 2025, soul singer Jamal Roberts has been basking in the spotlight — but not without a few bumps along the way. During a heartfelt Facebook Live on May 22, Jamal opened up from his Meridian, Mississippi home, juggling fan questions while caring for his newborn daughter Gianna, about the ups and downs that come with sudden fame.
Most notably, Jamal took aim at false rumors swirling online that accused his longtime manager Carlton Cofield of taking advantage of him financially. Cofield, who heads Atlanta-based Soultowne Marketing and has supported Jamal’s career for over seven years, even cheering alongside Jamal’s family during American Idol episodes, earned a passionate defense.
“Carlton is the reason I’m here today,” Jamal said emphatically. He revealed that after placing third on BET’s Sunday Best in 2020, he was ready to quit TV competitions — until Cofield convinced him to audition for American Idol. “Honestly, I wasn’t going to do it. I was just gigging locally, but Carlton pushed me.”
Addressing a fake social media page calling Cofield “crooked,” Jamal insisted, “That’s not true at all. He doesn’t take a dime from me. Everything Carlton books, every dollar, goes straight to me and my kids. He’s here to help, not break me.”
Their relationship, Jamal stressed, is more than business. “He’s family. So, if you’re against him, you’re against me. We’re one.”
When it came to other rumors — the usual “old flings” and drama that flood social media after a big win — Jamal shrugged them off. “That’s not my journey,” he said. “People just post stuff for clout and likes. I don’t care. That’s the past.”
He urged fans to think twice before believing everything they see online. “People take the first thing they see and believe it without facts. That’s something I don’t get.”
Jamal wrapped up his chat with a call for positivity. “No negative Nancies here,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be blocking folks who spread gossip or drama. Let’s be mindful about what we say and post — because what we share can hurt.”
Despite the whirlwind, Jamal remains focused on his music, his family, and his future — proving he’s as grounded as he is talented.
