Jamal Roberts has had the kind of week most people only dream of. Just hours before being crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23, the Mississippi native celebrated a deeply personal milestone: the birth of his baby girl, Gianna Grace Roberts.
On May 17, Roberts took to social media to share the joyful news, posting a series of heartfelt photos and writing, “Hey world, meet my little ladybug 😩, Gianna Grace Roberts. I am so proud to be her father 😭.” In one of the pictures, newborn Gianna is swaddled in love—and a onesie that reads, “My dad is the next American Idol.” At the time, the public didn’t know just how prophetic those words would be.
Roberts later shared that he hadn’t revealed the pregnancy earlier because it felt “so personal,” a decision that reflects the quiet strength and humility fans have come to admire in him. Though he’s kept much of his personal life private, TV Insider reports Roberts is also the father of two older daughters, Harmoni and Lyrik. The girls have been part of his Idol journey from the very beginning, appearing in emotional packages during his audition, Disney week, and even cheering him on during the finale.
That finale, which aired May 18, was one of the most highly anticipated in recent Idol history. Roberts faced off against fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix, each delivering four standout performances—including group numbers, solo songs, and duets with the judges.
For his solo performances, Roberts captivated the audience with a soulful rendition of TEEKS’ “First Time” and a stunning cover of The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).” He then joined country star Jelly Roll—who had mentored him earlier in the season—for a powerhouse mashup of “Liar” and “Unpretty” that left the crowd on its feet.
Finally, after a night packed with talent and emotion, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the moment millions had been waiting for: Jamal Roberts had been voted the winner of American Idol. The audience erupted as Roberts fell to his knees in disbelief, tears in his eyes and hands raised in gratitude.
In a livestream immediately following his win, Roberts tried to find the words: “I’m speechless. This is my dream, and it just came true… That just goes to show, don’t give up on your dreams. Keep fighting. Keep working, and it will come to pass.” He went on to say, “First, I’m giving honor to God who is the head of my life. I’m thanking Him for this opportunity.”
With a newborn daughter in his arms, a trophy in hand, and the eyes of the music world now on him, Jamal Roberts is stepping into his future with the same grounded faith and quiet fire that carried him through the competition. This may be the end of his Idol journey—but for Roberts, it’s just the beginning of something extraordinary.
