Fresh off his American Idol Season 23 win, Jamal Roberts gave fans a raw, emotional, and surprisingly intimate look into his life during a Facebook Live session on May 22, 2025. The 18-year-old soul sensation from Meridian, Mississippi, didn’t sing this time—he spoke. And what he shared went far beyond music.
With his newborn daughter Gianna in his arms and sincerity in his voice, Roberts addressed the rumors swirling around his name and the people closest to him.
Defending His Manager, Defending His Story
At the heart of the livestream was a strong, heartfelt defense of his longtime manager, Carlton Cofield. Rumors had circulated online alleging Cofield was taking advantage of Roberts, but the Idol winner shut them down with grace and gratitude.
“I wasn’t going on American Idol at all if it wasn’t for Carlton,” he said, adding that Cofield had not only believed in his talent, but lifted him up after a tough experience on BET’s Sunday Best. “He told me I still had something to say—something the world needed to hear.”
Roberts made it clear: Carlton Cofield wasn’t just a manager—he was part of the family, and part of the reason Jamal is where he is today.
“Some People Don’t Want Me to Win”
Roberts didn’t hide the fact that fame has come with backlash. “Some people don’t want me to win,” he said directly, referring to online critics and industry whispers. But rather than sounding bitter, his words came from a place of resilience.
Fans flooded the comment section with support, affirming what so many already believed: that Jamal’s transparency, humility, and heart are just as powerful as his voice. One fan wrote, “Keep being you, Jamal. Real always wins.”
Turning Toward What Matters Most
Though the livestream addressed tough topics, the tone shifted when Roberts spoke about his daughter, Gianna. His smile widened as he cradled her, calling her his “light” and “everything good in my world.”
He also shared excitement about his debut single “Heal,” which had just dropped to rave reviews. The song, a soulful blend of old-school emotion and modern grit, reflects his journey of pain, perseverance, and purpose.
“‘Heal’ isn’t just a song—it’s my heart in 3 minutes,” he told fans. “It’s for anybody who’s ever been broken, but still showed up anyway.”
An Artist Who’s Still Just Jamal
As fame rises around him, Jamal Roberts continues to do what has made fans fall in love with him from day one: staying real. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram or livestreaming with his daughter in his lap, he’s proving that authenticity still matters in the music industry.
