With the American Idol Season 23 finale airing on May 18, fans across the country are watching closely. The final three contestants — Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts — have each made their mark. But it’s Jamal’s inspiring rise from persistent underdog to front-runner that has struck a deeper chord with viewers across America.
A Mississippi native and father of three, 27-year-old Jamal Roberts is no stranger to perseverance. By day, he’s a dedicated P.E. teacher. By heart, he’s a soul singer raised in the pews of his hometown church in Meridian. When he first auditioned for American Idol this season with a heartfelt rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” his voice filled the room with something undeniable. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood were moved — and Jamal walked away with a golden ticket.
What fans may not have known at that moment was how many doors Jamal had knocked on before that one finally opened.
In a revealing interview with Billboard, Jamal shared that Season 23 marked his third attempt at American Idol. His first try was cut short with feedback that he was too young and needed more vocal polish. The second time, he arrived unprepared and without enough material. Still, he didn’t quit.
“I didn’t get defeated,” Jamal said. “I never gave up. I took the no. I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain and try again.”
Raised in a family grounded in faith — with a bishop grandfather and a deacon on the other side — Jamal’s life has always been wrapped in the language of gospel, soul, and community. “I started singing at the age of two,” he said. “If the church doors were open, I was there — singing, ushering, on the drums. That was my world.”
Between those early rejections and his moment in the Idol spotlight, Jamal didn’t just evolve as a musician. He became a father to three daughters, including a newborn who arrived during the competition. He also released his own music independently in 2020, continuing to chase his passion even when no cameras were watching.
When he reached the Top 3, Jamal took to Instagram to express his heartfelt gratitude:
“THANK YOU GOD!! Thank you, America!! Thank you, MeridianⓂ️! Thank you, American Idol! 😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾”
Every note he’s sung since has echoed with the weight of his journey — a journey built not on hype or luck, but on grit, grace, and faith.
Whether he takes the crown or not, Jamal Roberts’ story is a powerful reminder: the road to the dream isn’t always straight — but every “no” can lead to one life-changing “yes.”
