From a small-town gymnasium to the biggest stage in American music television, Jamal Roberts’s journey to American Idol stardom is a story of faith, family, and unshakable perseverance. On Sunday night, the 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, was crowned the Season 23 winner, marking a powerful moment not just for Roberts, but for every dreamer rooted in faith and resilience.
With a heart full of gratitude and humility, Roberts took to Instagram shortly after his win, writing, “I’m still trying to process this… God is so good.” He continued: “From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.”
That dream started long before the Idol cameras rolled. Jamal Roberts was raised on gospel harmonies and Sunday morning hymns. His musical roots run deep in the pews of his family church. “I started singing at the age of two,” he told Billboard earlier this year. With a bishop for a grandfather on one side and a deacon on the other, church wasn’t just a part of life — it was the rhythm of his upbringing. “I was in the choir, I played drums, I ushered — if the church doors were open, I was there,” he recalled.
Longtime fans of Roberts may remember that this wasn’t his first shot at Idol. In fact, he auditioned twice before — once as a teen, when he was told he needed more vocal training, and again years later, when he came unprepared. “I didn’t get defeated,” Roberts said in a recent interview. “I never gave up. I took the ‘no.’ I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain, and try again.” His determination paid off. Roberts placed in the Top 3 of BET’s Sunday Best in 2020, gaining national exposure within the gospel world. But it was his third attempt at American Idol that brought his soulful gift to millions.
Away from the spotlight, Jamal is a father to three daughters, including a newborn who arrived during the competition. His life as a dad and physical education teacher shaped his grounded approach to fame. “I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, [who are] just my inspiration,” he said after the finale. “Even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.” In every interview and performance, Roberts carried himself not just as a contestant—but as a vessel for something bigger.
During the finale, Roberts performed a show-stopping original single, “Heal,” and a haunting cover of a Tom Odell track. He also shared a powerful duet with Jelly Roll, who served as Idol’s first-ever Artist in Residence. Together, they delivered a moment of raw emotion and spiritual depth rarely seen on the show. In addition to Roberts, the finale featured appearances by Salt-N-Pepa, Jessica Simpson, Good Charlotte, and worship artist Brandon Lake — highlighting a season that embraced musical diversity and heartfelt storytelling.
With his win, Roberts takes home a $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings — but his greatest reward may be what he represents. “To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory,” he wrote. “To my daughters — with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”
Jamal Roberts is more than just an American Idol winner. He is a testimony of what faith, perseverance, and humility can build. This is how it all started.
