Jamal Roberts’ rise to becoming the Season 23 winner of American Idol wasn’t some overnight fluke—it was the result of unwavering persistence, faith, and a belief in divine timing. The Mississippi native recently opened up about his years-long journey on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, revealing just how much rejection and preparation paved the way for his biggest moment.
Before capturing America’s hearts and the Idol crown, Jamal auditioned not once, but three times. He also made a run on BET’s Sunday Best, where he had the chance to meet gospel powerhouse Kirk Franklin. Although he didn’t walk away with a win then, Jamal said that moment humbled him—and set the stage for everything that followed.
“I was rejected twice. It got disappointing, but it gave me the fuel to press on,” he shared candidly during the interview. That grit and refusal to give up eventually turned into something historic. Not only did he win Season 23 of American Idol, but he also became the first Black male to win the competition since Ruben Studdard in 2003. Even more jaw-dropping, Jamal received the highest number of finale votes in the show’s two-decade history.
But while the victory was massive, Jamal didn’t immediately run toward the spotlight. Instead, he went right back to his day job as a P.E. teacher to finish the school year with his students. It was classic Jamal—grounded, loyal, and always thinking about the people who helped shape him. According to Jamal, his students were beyond thrilled, with some even suggesting a school hallway be named in his honor.
At home, he’s simply “Dad.” A proud girl dad, Jamal said his daughters may not fully understand just how big a deal his win was, but they absolutely loved the celebratory trip to Disneyland. And behind the scenes, faith remains the constant. Jamal spoke about how the spiritual strength of his grandfather shaped him, becoming a guidepost through moments of rejection, confusion, and now success.
As whispers swirl online about a possible Netflix documentary chronicling his journey, Jamal made it clear: don’t believe the hype unless it comes straight from him. “If you didn’t hear it from me, it ain’t true,” he said with a laugh.
Still, there’s no denying it—Jamal Roberts is stepping into something bigger. From facing rejection with grace to becoming a national sensation, his story is just beginning.
