Just over a week after being crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23, Jamal Roberts is already making history—and making it permanent. The 27-year-old father of two, affectionately known to fans as the soulful “girl dad,” has landed his first Top 10 Billboard hit and the number one Gospel song in the nation with his emotional debut single, “Heal.” To mark the occasion, Roberts didn’t just celebrate—he got a tattoo.
Released by 19 Recordings on the eve of the Idol finale, Roberts’ stirring rendition of Tom Odell’s 2013 ballad “Heal” was a breakout moment that clearly resonated far beyond the Idol stage. Ten days later, on May 28, Billboard confirmed the track had debuted at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and number two on the overall Digital Song Sales chart—an extraordinary feat for any artist, let alone a brand-new winner.
According to Billboard, the single sold 9,000 downloads during its first week, based on Luminate data for the week ending May 22. That not only secured the top spot on the Gospel Digital Song Sales chart but also made Roberts the proud owner of a top 10 hit across all genres in the U.S. The song also racked up an impressive 918,000 official U.S. streams during its debut days.
It’s not the first time Roberts has made waves on the Gospel chart. Earlier in May, as anticipation around American Idol built, fans rediscovered his 2020 song “He’s Preparing Me,” pushing it to number four. But “Heal” has taken things to another level—especially since Roberts added his own lyrics to the recorded version, weaving in personal reflections on faith that made the track uniquely his.
The song’s impact was immediate. Roberts first performed it live on the April 28 episode of Idol, after telling guest mentor Fantasia that he’d never heard the song before but felt deeply connected to its message. The emotional power of his rendition left the judges and audience visibly moved. After making it to the top three, Roberts was given the opportunity to record “Heal” professionally, ultimately delivering a show-stopping performance during the finale before being crowned champion.
Roberts isn’t the only Idol finalist making waves on the charts. Runner-up John Foster hit number six on the Digital Song Sales chart with his heartfelt single “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” while third-place finalist Breanna Nix soared to number four with “Higher,” selling 5,000 downloads.
But for Roberts, “Heal” is more than just a hit single—it’s a personal anthem. During a Facebook Live session with fans on May 27, he revealed he’d commemorated the moment by tattooing the word “HEAL” down his chest, calling it a permanent reminder of what the song—and this chapter of his life—means to him.
From winning American Idol to topping the charts, Jamal Roberts is proving that his journey is just getting started. With faith in his heart, music in his soul, and “HEAL” inked on his chest, he’s stepping boldly into his future as one of gospel’s most exciting new voices.
