Just days after being crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23 on May 18, 2025, Mississippi-born soul singer Jamal Roberts is wasting no time. The beloved R&B vocalist is already setting his sights on a debut album—and he’s aiming straight for the heart of the industry.
In an exclusive interview with Access Hollywood, Roberts didn’t hesitate when asked who his dream collaborators would be:
“Oh, Jelly Roll and Fantasia on the first album — no doubt,” he said, smiling with the confidence of a man who just stepped into his destiny.
These aren’t just wish-list names. Both Jelly Roll and Fantasia played pivotal roles in Jamal’s Idol journey—guiding, mentoring, and ultimately championing his talent in ways that moved millions. And with Jelly Roll signed to the same label group as Roberts, fans are already buzzing that these powerhouse pairings could be more than just hopeful dreams.
Fantasia: “He Reminds Me of Me”
For Fantasia, her connection to Jamal ran deep. The Grammy-winning Idol alum became a fierce supporter of Roberts during the show’s final weeks—after mentoring him on his now-iconic cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal,” which soared to No. 1 on iTunes after its release.
The impact was immediate and emotional.
“I haven’t watched American Idol in years,” Fantasia admitted to her followers. “But this young man reminds me so much of me. He’s always had to fight for it. Loves God. Loves his children.”
She didn’t just root for him quietly—she voted. Publicly. For the first time ever. After Jamal’s win was announced, Fantasia posted a tearful video of herself watching the moment unfold live, filled with pride.
Jelly Roll: “That Wasn’t a Performance—That Was a Testimony”
Jelly Roll’s mentorship was equally powerful. During Idol’s Hawaii round, Jamal delivered a soul-stirring version of Jelly Roll’s own song, “Liar”—and brought the artist to tears.
“You represent a group of misrepresented people,” Jelly Roll said. “That wasn’t a performance. You were testifying.”
The connection only deepened from there. During the season finale, Roberts and Jelly Roll united onstage for emotional duets of “Unpretty” and “Liar,” with Jelly Roll later bowing to Roberts and declaring the song no longer belonged to him:
“It’s Jamal’s now.”
A Rising Star With Purpose
With the American Idol crown, Roberts is now poised to sign a deal with 19 Recordings in partnership with BBR Music Group—which also houses Jelly Roll. Industry insiders are already predicting that a debut featuring both Fantasia and Jelly Roll could become one of the year’s most meaningful crossover albums.
For now, Roberts is focused on pushing his breakout single “Heal”—a gospel-infused ballad that has become an anthem for resilience—and laying the foundation for his first full-length project.
What Makes Jamal Different?
Beyond his powerful voice and genre-blending style, Jamal’s greatest strength may be his heart. A devoted father and community educator, Roberts sings with a purpose that’s impossible to fake. His vulnerability, shaped by life’s challenges, has made him relatable and deeply loved by fans across generations.
And with legends like Fantasia and Jelly Roll in his corner, one thing is certain:
Jamal Roberts isn’t just the latest Idol winner—he’s a voice the world’s been waiting to hear.
