In one of the most heartwarming moments of BET Awards 2025 weekend, Jennifer Hudson embraced American Idol winner Jamal Roberts backstage and proudly referred to him as “her son.”
The touching exchange marked the first in-person meeting between the two powerhouse vocalists, further highlighting Hudson’s unwavering support for Roberts from the very start of his journey.
“This Is My Son”: A Star’s Warm Welcome
After the awards show, Hudson took to social media to share a video of their backstage encounter, captioned, “We finally met. This is my son.” The heartfelt moment followed weeks of public praise from Hudson, who had celebrated Roberts’ American Idol win with the message: “He did it!!!!! Congratulations Jamal Roberts!!! SO well deserved! You are a star!”
A Historic Idol Victory
From the moment Roberts claimed the Season 23 title on May 18, the outpouring of love from celebrities and fans alike has been unstoppable.
The Meridian, Mississippi native became the first Black man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. His triumphant journey, capped by a record-breaking 26 million votes in the finale, turned him from a humble P.E. teacher into America’s newest gospel and R&B sensation.
Roberts reflected on his victory in a moving Facebook post: “God is so good. 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.”
From Small-Town Dreamer to BET Stage Showstopper
Just weeks after his Idol win, Roberts made a stunning debut at the BET Awards 2025, bringing the house down during a gospel-filled performance alongside legends like Kirk Franklin, Tamar Braxton, and Muni Long. The 27-year-old’s appearance was hailed as a symbolic coronation of a rising star whose journey has only just begun.
Lighting Up the Red Carpet
Roberts also attended the BET 45th Anniversary Dinner on June 7, where he lit up the red carpet at the Beverly Wilshire in a sleek all-white vest ensemble and classic brown leather shoes. In an interview, he shared his excitement: “I watch BET all my life. I want to be on the show. I’ve always wanted to be in Grammys and all the other things. And, you know, just to be here and be with all these amazing people, I’m just grateful.”
A Fan-Fueled Future
Fans were quick to celebrate his moment. Comments online read, “Going from the American Idol stage to the BET Awards — God’s plan. So happy for you!” and “Grammys are on the way! That’s your journey.”
With the love of icons like Jennifer Hudson and the support of a nationwide fanbase, Jamal Roberts is stepping confidently into the spotlight — and his story is only just beginning.
