During “American Idol” finalist Jamal Roberts’ hometown visit on May 14, 2025, the Meridian, Mississippi native was greeted with love and excitement from family, friends, and students at Crestwood Elementary, where he works as a physical education teacher. But the most meaningful moment for the 27-year-old was finally meeting his newborn daughter, Gianna Grace Roberts, for the first time.
Gianna was born in early May while Roberts was in Los Angeles competing in the Top 5, and though he shared her birth announcement during the live May 5 episode, it wasn’t until May 16 that fans got a personal look. On Instagram, Roberts posted a series of touching photos introducing Gianna to the world. The first showed her dressed in a ladybug outfit, with the caption, “Hey world, meet my little ladybug 😩, Gianna Grace Roberts. I’m so proud to be her father 😭 #girldadforlife #idol.”
The second photo melted hearts: Gianna wore a custom-made t-shirt featuring images of Jamal performing on the show with phrases like “My Dad is the Next American Idol” and “Vote Jamal Roberts — Meridian Proud, Meridian Strong, Meridian United.” The third image captured a quiet moment of baby Gianna asleep in a lavender and cream outfit with a matching pacifier.
Roberts had not publicly shared that he was expecting a baby, choosing instead to keep the news private until the moment she was born. “It was so personal to me, I did not share it,” he said during the May 5 live broadcast. “But I have a healthy, beautiful, baby girl born today.”
Already a father to two daughters, Harmoni, 6, and Lyrik, 3, Roberts’ role as a dedicated “girl dad” has become a meaningful part of his identity. Harmoni and Lyrik have appeared throughout the Idol season, attending shows and cheering for their father in the audience. They also joined him during the hometown parade and concert held in Meridian, where the community came out in full force to support their hometown hero.
In an earlier interview with Parade, Roberts expressed how much his daughters inspire him. “I love my daughters,” he said. “They are my world, my life. They’re the reason I’m here and working so hard to keep smiles on those little faces.”
Fans were quick to flood his Instagram with messages of congratulations and encouragement. “She’s just as beautiful and adorable as her big sisters! Congrats Jamal! Now go win Idol!!!!” one user wrote. Another added, “Aww she’s so beautiful. Congratulations @officialjamalroberts I’m voting you bro. Hope you win American Idol 💪🏾👏🏾💙🍾👶🏽👣🤞🏾.”
Jamal Roberts will compete in the American Idol Season 23 finale on May 18, going head-to-head with fellow finalists Breanna Nix and John Foster during the live, coast-to-coast broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern. Footage from his emotional hometown visit, including the moment he met Gianna for the first time, will be featured during the finale, adding one more unforgettable layer to his already inspiring journey.
