Who is Jamal Roberts? Everything to know about the first Black man to win 'American Idol' in 22 years

Jamal Roberts has been announced as the winner of the Season 23 finale of American Idol after defeating John Foster and Breanna Nix. With this, he has become the first black man to take the crown in 22 years, since Ruben Studdard won the title in 2003, according to USA Today.

The contest was held on May 18, 2025, where Roberts successfully captured the hearts of the viewers and the judges with his undeniable stage presence. For his winner’s song, Roberts performed Anthony Hamilton’s Her Heart.

Roberts is a 27-year-old and works as a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Meridian, Mississippi. During his homecoming parade in his hometown, he was showered with support from the people. He is a father to three daughters - Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and Gianna, born two weeks before the finale, a report in the Clarion Ledger indicated.

The daughters have joined their dad on stage during several of his performances. Although the American Idol winner is a father to three daughters but he is unmarried and has been secretive about his private life.

How did Roberts celebrate his win? Let us have a look.

Jamal Roberts celebrates his victory after winning American Idol Season 23

Jamal Roberts, declared the winner of American Idol Season 23, took to his Instagram to celebrate his win with his fans, followers, family, and friends. He thanked his mentors for being his guiding light throughout his journey on the show.

He wrote:

“HOWWWW is this even real?!?! I never could’ve imagined this when I first stepped on that stage. From my hometown to this moment right here… I’m your next American Idol.”

“To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything. Now I get to do what I love, with the best in the game, and share my voice with the world. This is my dream… and it’s just the beginning. I love y’all more than words can say. Thank you thank you thank you.”

The American Idol Season 23 winner had a hard time processing the news, and he shared another post on his social media account, dedicating his award to his city, his family, and everyone else who aims to achieve something big in their lives. He wrote,

“I’m still trying to process this… God is so good. From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, 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.”

He concluded his message by saying,

“Now, I get to make music with the best in the world and share my story. But this isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart…. THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all.”

In an interview with Billboard, Roberts said that he started singing in church when his family encouraged him. He was two years old at the time.

“I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents found out I could sing and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson.” He said, and added,

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“I had a granddaddy on my dad’s side who was a bishop and a grandad on my mom’s side was a deacon, so I was in church every time the door opened. I was the usher, and I was in the choir and I used to play the drums.”

The American Idol Season 23 premiered in March this year with Ryan Seacrest as its host and Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood as judges on the show. Jamal Roberts first caught the judges’ attention when he came for the American Idol auditions.

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