The city of Meridian wrapped Jamal Roberts in a blanket of love as over 4,000 fans filled Q.V. Sykes Park for his epic Welcome Home Celebration. Just days after becoming the first Black male to win American Idol in more than two decades, Roberts returned to his hometown not as a local music teacher, but as a national treasure.
With his signature blend of Southern soul, gospel grit, and pure vocal power, the 29-year-old father of three brought the house down with crowd favorites like Jelly Roll’s “Liar” and his breakout hit “Heal,” a song that already has fans calling it a modern-day anthem for resilience.
“It’s always been love in my hometown,” Jamal told the crowd. “Y’all supported me before American Idol, before Sunday Best — and it means everything to be back home.”
A Hometown Hero’s Journey
Roberts’ rise to fame wasn’t instant. Before claiming the American Idol crown in Season 23 — and making history as the first Black male winner since Ruben Studdard in 2003 — he faced multiple rejections. He auditioned for Idol three times before making it to Hollywood. Before that, he placed third on BET’s Sunday Best, where he met gospel great Kirk Franklin.
But Roberts never quit. And that determination finally paid off in front of 26 million viewers who watched him take the win — and break the record for most finale votes in American Idol history.
Longtime fan and neighbor Betty Jones, who watched Jamal grow up, couldn’t hold back her pride at the concert.
“He is the foundation of Meridian,” she said. “He’s bringing nothing but positive attention to this city and the state of Mississippi.”
Even his former students came out in full force, including young Jenesis Young, who lit up when she saw her teacher take the stage.
“I like to hear him sing,” she beamed.
Faith, Family, and a Little Real Talk
Roberts didn’t just perform — he spoke his truth.
In a candid moment on stage, he addressed the behind-the-scenes tension with some local city officials, explaining why he didn’t receive as much support as expected during the planning of his homecoming parade.
“I’m not into politics,” Jamal said. “But I’ve always loved Percy [Bland] because he’s been there from the start, before the mayor title. It didn’t sit well with some folks, but we still pulled it off. Shout out to the county for stepping in.”
And fans appreciated his honesty. Just days before the concert, Roberts also took to Facebook Live in a half-hour session to speak directly to his supporters — addressing swirling rumors and spotlighting the person he says helped make this all happen: his longtime manager, Carlton Cofield.
“I was done with TV after Sunday Best,” Roberts admitted. “But Carlton pushed me to audition again. I wasn’t going to do American Idol at all. I would’ve just been at the house gigging.”
Cofield, who runs Atlanta-based Soultowne Marketing, was a constant presence during Roberts’ Idol journey. While some fans raised concerns about the manager’s influence, Roberts made it clear: the decision to return to television wasn’t forced — it was faith-driven and fueled by purpose.
What’s Next for Jamal Roberts?
With a Billboard Top 10 hit under his belt, a newborn baby at home, and fans already whispering about a possible Netflix deal (which he cheekily denied), Jamal is focused on the next chapter: making music that heals and uplifts.
“This isn’t the end,” he said. “This is just the beginning. I’ve got a story to tell — and a voice to tell it with.”
