Jamal Roberts has emerged as one of American Idol Season 23’s most compelling voices—not just for his rich, soulful performances, but for the heartfelt story he carries with him each time he takes the stage. Now a proud member of the Top 7, the Mississippi native and PE teacher has steadily captivated audiences and impressed the judges week after week, often earning standing ovations from Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
But Roberts is more than just a voice—he’s a father, an educator, a man of deep faith, and a true example of perseverance. Here’s what makes his journey especially inspiring:
He grew up singing in the church, surrounded by music and the support of a faith-filled family. “I started singing at the age of two,” he told Billboard. “My grandparents discovered I could sing, and I never stopped—church, the Temptations, Michael Jackson, you name it.” With a bishop on one side of the family and a deacon on the other, Roberts says he was in church “every time the doors opened,” serving as an usher, a choir member, and even playing the drums. Though he didn’t formally join school choirs or musicals, he sang constantly at home and became a regular winner at local talent shows.
Eventually, that lifelong love of singing became more than just a dream—it became his purpose. “My grandmother used to tell me, ‘When you get a job you love, you stick with it.’ And I love singing,” Roberts shared.
Outside of music, Roberts is a proud dad to three daughters—Harmoni, Lyrik, and newborn Gianna Grace Adams, who was born during his time on the show. “I always said I was going to name my kids after music,” he told Parade. “They are my world. They’re the reason I’m working so hard.”
Watch his Top 5 performance here:
Beyond his family, Roberts also finds purpose as a PE teacher. “I had some great role models in my life and they were schoolteachers,” he explained. “They saw my flaws, but they knew I had a gift for singing. They didn’t give up on me.” Now, he hopes to be that same kind of positive force in his students’ lives.
Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Roberts auditioned for Idol twice before finally making it through on his third try. The first time, he was told he needed more vocal training. The second time, he only brought one prepared song when asked to sing again. But he didn’t quit. “I didn’t get defeated,” he said. “I never gave up. I took the no, used the feedback, and tried again.”
Now, after years of persistence, Roberts is standing tall in the Top 7—proof that talent, heart, and hard work can turn dreams into reality. As he puts it: “Don’t second-guess yourself. Second-guessing causes a lot of stress. Go with your first mind, and whatever you do—do your best.”
