What started in a humble elementary school gym has now catapulted Jamal Roberts onto one of music’s biggest stages. The physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, just made history as the first Black man to win American Idolin more than two decades—and only the second ever since Ruben Studdard claimed the crown in 2003.
Roberts, a father of three and a lifelong lover of soul and gospel, won over the hearts of millions during American Idol’s 23rd season. After two unsuccessful attempts in earlier seasons, it was his soulful rendition of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” on the season finale that sealed the win on May 18. Fans and judges alike were moved, not just by his voice, but by the depth of emotion he poured into every performance.
“This isn’t the end…it’s just the beginning,” Roberts wrote on Instagram, moments after his historic win. “I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.”
That dream, as Roberts often shares, was nurtured in the pews and pulpits of church. Singing since the age of two, he grew up immersed in music, performing Motown classics and gospel hymns. With a bishop for a grandfather on one side and a deacon on the other, church wasn’t just part of life, it was life. “I was in church every time the doors opened,” he told Billboard. “I sang, played drums, ushered—everything.”
Yet, despite his musical roots, Roberts never joined the choir in school or starred in school musicals. Instead, he found his stage at talent shows, winning every one he entered. In 2020, he independently released his first original song, “He’s Preparing Me,” a gospel track that foreshadowed his Idol journey.
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That road was not without detours. Roberts auditioned for American Idol twice before finally making it through. His first try earned him one yes and one no—the judges felt he needed more training. The second time, he was cut when asked to sing a second song he hadn’t prepared. Still, he returned stronger, carrying with him words from judge Lionel Richie that never left him: “When you are on stage and get to doing what you’re doing, you’re exploding. I hate to see you leave.”
He didn’t leave, he kept pushing.
When Roberts finally hit the Idol stage again this season, he made an instant impact with his audition performance of Rick James’ “Mary Jane.” The judges, including country star and former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, gave him a unanimous yes. From then on, America watched a star unfold.
Off stage, Roberts has kept his feet firmly planted in reality. A beloved PE teacher at Crestwood Elementary, he’s often spoken about how much his students mean to him. “I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money,” he told USA Today. “It was really the kids—they’re just my inspiration. Even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”
That inspiration extends to his three daughters—Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna, who was born just days before the Idolfinale. In a heartfelt Instagram caption, he wrote, “Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”
As part of his victory, Roberts secured a recording contract and a significant cash prize. His original song, “Heal,” debuted during the finale and quickly soared to number one on iTunes. “This is major,” he wrote in a celebratory post. “Thank you, everyone.”
From church stages to the national spotlight, Jamal Roberts’ story is one of persistence, purpose, and pure soul. In an industry where authenticity is rare, he’s proven that talent—and heart—can’t be denied.
