Before the sold-out shows, the flashing lights, and the roar of adoring fans, Jamal Roberts was just a little boy sitting beside his grandfather in a small church in Mississippi. Long before American Idol crowned him its newest star in 2025, Jamal found his first stage not on television, but in the pews of a Baptist congregation where music and faith flowed freely. It was there, surrounded by gospel harmonies and the soft murmur of prayer, that the roots of his remarkable musical journey quietly took hold.
In a heartfelt interview, Jamal opened up about the man who introduced him to music—not a manager, coach, or teacher, but his grandfather. A quiet, humble deacon, his grandfather never set out to mold a superstar. Instead, through simple acts of devotion and care, he created the environment that helped Jamal discover his gift. “He was my first audience,” Jamal said, smiling softly. “And I think I was his.” That bond, rooted in music and unconditional love, would become the bedrock of Jamal’s life and career.
Sundays were sacred in their household—not because of rest or recreation, but because of the spiritual rhythm of church. Each week, Jamal’s grandfather would take his hand and guide him to their local congregation. There, amid the sounds of clapping hands and rising voices, Jamal felt something shift inside. It was less about religion and more about the power of community and song. His earliest memories are filled with the sound of gospel choirs, the warmth of wooden pews, and the comforting presence of the man who always arrived early to make sure everything ran smoothly.
“He wanted to make sure the microphones worked and the choir members felt ready,” Jamal recalled. “But for me, it wasn’t just about the songs. It was how my grandpa looked at those voices—like they were reaching heaven itself.” That deep respect for music as a spiritual force stayed with him. Even now, years later, Jamal says he sings not just to be heard, but to move people—to lift their spirits, just as his grandfather once did.
Jamal’s grandfather never pushed him to sing. Instead, he created a space where singing felt as natural as breathing. Jamal’s first performance wasn’t on a stage; it was beside his grandfather at age six, quietly humming during choir rehearsal. That simple, unplanned moment lit a spark in Jamal that never dimmed. As his star rose—through viral videos, powerful Idol performances, and standing ovations—he never forgot the stillness and sincerity of those early days.
Even though Jamal’s grandfather passed away when he was just 17, the influence remains. Before every show, Jamal follows a quiet ritual: a moment of prayer and a whispered “Thank you, Grandpa” backstage. That small act, he says, keeps him grounded. “It grounds me,” Jamal shared. “Because no matter how big the crowd, I imagine my grandpa in the front row.”
Jamal’s emotional performances, especially his tear-filled rendition of “I Believe,” struck a chord with audiences across the country—many saying it “felt like church.” Now, hearing him speak about his grandfather, the reason is clear. That connection, built through love, music, and reverence, runs deep. Fans have already begun speculating that a tribute song to his grandfather will appear on Jamal’s debut album, currently being recorded between tour stops. And Jamal admits it’s in the works. “But it has to be right,” he said. “I want it to sound like Mississippi. I want it to smell like wooden pews and Sunday biscuits. I want it to feel like the first time I sang to him.”
In a world driven by fast fame and fleeting attention, Jamal Roberts is a reminder of what truly lasts: family, gratitude, and roots. His story isn’t just about musical talent—it’s about honoring where we come from, and the people who see our light long before anyone else. “If it weren’t for my grandpa,” Jamal said, “I wouldn’t be here talking to you. Simple as that.”
