The Big Tiger Morning Show on V103 was buzzing with energy as Jazzy McBee welcomed one of the most inspiring breakout stars of the year: Jamal Roberts, the newly crowned winner of American Idol Season 23. A former gym teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts walked into the studio with the calm confidence of someone still adjusting to a life-changing win. “Just living the dream, man. It feels amazing,” he said with a smile that reflected both joy and humility.
Roberts won the nation’s heart with his stirring performances and amassed a record-breaking 26 million votes in the finale, the most in American Idol history. Reflecting on that moment, he recalled, “When they finally said my name, it felt like peace washed over me.
I thought, that had to be my people — showing up for me big time. They had my back the entire season.” But the road to victory wasn’t smooth. He had auditioned for the show before and didn’t make it. “They told me I needed more work,” Roberts admitted. “So I went back and did the work.”
He had once struggled with stage presence, often singing with his eyes closed and accidentally turning away from the audience. “I used to open my eyes and realize I was facing the wrong way,” he laughed. “I’ve come a long way.” The growth has been undeniable. His debut single “Heal” premiered at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and resonated deeply with fans across the country. Originally written by Tom Odell in 2013, the song sold 9,000 downloads in its first week and nearly hit one million U.S. streams. It also landed at No. 2 on the all-genre Digital Songs chart.
Roberts’ personal life was also transformed during the show’s run with the birth of his daughter. “I was heartbroken I couldn’t be there when she was born,” he said, his voice softening. “But that gave me the push I needed. I’m a girl dad now, and everything I do is for her.” When asked how her mother felt about him staying in the competition, he smiled and said, “She told me to focus and keep doing what I’m doing.”
Despite his rising fame, Roberts made time to return to his school for two final days of bus duty. “They pretty much retired me already,” he said with a chuckle, “but I wanted to tell the kids I was proud of them. Any chance I get to speak into the lives of kids and motivate them, I’m gonna do that.”
A gospel singer at heart, Roberts stays rooted in faith as his career gains momentum. “Gospel is my roots. I always include God in everything I do,” he said. “But I’ve proven I’m versatile. R&B, Southern Soul — I’m open to any lane.” Fans saw his versatility in full force during the finale, when he performed both spiritual and secular songs, including a standout duet with Jelly Roll.
Tyrese reposted his rendition of “Lately,” while Anthony Hamilton, a childhood favorite of his, praised him publicly. Fantasia, too, gave him advice he’s taken to heart: “She told me to stay true to myself and take God with me. She reminded me not to let the industry change me.”
As his popularity grows, so does the online chatter. Recently, rumors spread that Roberts turned down a Tesla sponsorship for his debut video — something he was quick to laugh off. “I have no idea what that was. Social media did what it does,” he said. “But hey, if Elon calls… I’ve always wanted a Tesla. We’ll see what the fine print says.”
“Heal,” he says, is more than a debut single — it’s a message. “There are so many people who don’t know how to heal from past pain. This song gives them permission to do that,” he said. “I didn’t even know it when I chose it — I just connected to the lyrics. It spoke to everything I’ve been through.” When asked how he heals, Roberts didn’t hesitate. “I face it head on. I don’t let pain or hurt keep me bound. I’ve healed from a lot, and I thank God for that.”
With a No. 1 single and a devoted fan base, Jamal Roberts is already setting his sights on what’s next. He says he’s relying on his management to help steer his rising career while he stays focused on his art. “I’m just going to keep being myself, moving around, taking gigs that matter.
They can handle the rest.” When asked about dream collaborations, he grinned and said, “I’d love to work with Jamie Foxx on the secular side. And if I could choose someone from gospel — well, there are so many greats, but we’ll see where God leads.”
From rejection to redemption, from bus duty to Billboard, Jamal Roberts is a reminder that faith, focus, and determination can lead to something extraordinary. And according to him, this is only the beginning. His debut single “Heal” is available now on all streaming platforms.
