Jamal Roberts isn’t just singing for a title—he’s singing for his daughters, his hometown, and his lifelong dream. From the moment he stepped onto the American Idol stage, the 27-year-old PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has stood out not only for his stirring vocals, but for the heart behind every note.
His daughters’ names—Harmoni and Lyrik—say it all. Jamal’s love for music runs so deep, he literally wove it into his children’s identities. “I always said… I was going to name my kids after music,” he shared, joking that it took some convincing. If daughter number three had been named by him? “Melody” or “Symphony” were top of the list. Now, with baby Gianna Grace joining the family, his reasons to shine have only grown.
Jamal’s Idol journey feels like a culmination of years of devotion. He’s been singing since he was 2 years old, encouraged by his grandparents to bring his gift to Sunday morning services. Influenced by greats like Michael Jackson and The Temptations, his soulful sound carries the legacy of gospel, Motown, and modern R&B. He’s hinted that a Temptations performance may be coming soon—something fans have been begging for in the comments.
And even though he’s not a music teacher, Jamal’s presence is inspiring the next generation. His students back in Meridian are sending him videos and messages, and he sees it as a sign: “These young kids are looking up to me.” That sense of responsibility drives his decision to stay grounded. While many might flock to bigger cities, Jamal remains loyal to Meridian: “I never wanted to move… I believe I can help it get back [to the way it was].”
He’s already doing that—through his music, his story, and his authenticity. From his viral cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal”, to his tear-inducing rendition of Fantasia’s “I Believe”, Jamal isn’t just competing—he’s connecting.
And with vocal coaches helping him fine-tune his performances and judges reminding him that he’s “in his own lane,” the road ahead looks promising. As Jamal himself put it: he’s just “exploding on the stage.”
