American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts is proving that his journey from television spotlight to gospel powerhouse is no accident. At the 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Roberts joined forces with GRAMMY-winner Jonathan McReynolds for a soaring live rendition of “Still,” a performance that lifted the audience to its feet and reminded the world of gospel music’s power to inspire and heal.
Recorded live in Chicago, “Still” is a reflective ballad about God’s unchanging love through life’s storms. Onstage, Roberts’ booming, heartfelt vocals blended seamlessly with McReynolds’ smooth and soulful delivery, creating a moment of worship that transcended the stage. From the very first line, the audience was on their feet, hands raised, drawn into the raw emotion of the duet.
The performance quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, a milestone celebration themed “OUR MUSIC, OUR VOICE, OUR CULTURE.” Hosted by BeBe and CeCe Winans, the ceremony honored gospel’s legacy with unforgettable performances by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Todd Dulaney, Nathan Davis Jr., and more. Yet it was Roberts and McReynolds’ duet that fans described as “the soul of the night.”
The awards also featured a slate of notable presenters, including Lil Rel Howery, Dante Bowe, and Trina Braxton, while Executive Producer Don Jackson received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contributions to gospel music. For Roberts, sharing the stage at such a landmark event so early in his career underscored how far he has come since his Idol days.
Since his win, Roberts has proven himself a versatile artist who refuses to be confined to one genre. His gospel anthem “Heal” has been a steady success, climbing to No. 7 on the Gospel Digital Song Sales chart, while his R&B single “Mississippi” broke into the top five on multiple digital sales tallies. Few artists can move so effortlessly between gospel, R&B, and hip hop — and Roberts is showing that his voice has no limits.
Beyond the spotlight, Roberts’ story is deeply rooted in family. The singer is a devoted father to three daughters — Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and baby Gianna, who was born during his Idol run. Fans recently celebrated Gianna’s 100-day milestone when Roberts shared sweet snapshots of her in playful outfits. His daughters also appeared in the video for “Mississippi,” a heartfelt nod to how central family is in his life and music.
Looking ahead, Roberts promises more musical surprises. “Even though Mississippi is just coming out, trust me, we’ve got more stuff cooking and it’s going to be amazing,” he told fans. With his ability to bridge genres while staying true to his gospel roots, his future looks as bright as his undeniable stage presence.
At the Stellar Awards, Roberts didn’t just perform. He affirmed what his supporters have believed since American Idol — that his voice carries not just talent, but testimony. And alongside Jonathan McReynolds, he delivered a moment of worship that will be remembered as one of the night’s most powerful.
