Mississippi’s very own Jamal Roberts is the latest American Idol winner.
After reaching the top three in the show’s 23rd season one week ago, the Meridian native and soulful singer had his sights on the crown. Roberts came away victorious over John Foster and Breanna Nix, who finished second and third, respectively. The elementary school gym teacher and father of three’s decisive victory came after a record 26 million votes were cast.
Roberts took the main stage Sunday night with “First Time” by Teeks, “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations, and “Heal” by Tom Odell during the show’s star-studded grand finale that featured Jelly Roll, Salt-N-Pepa, and the Goo Goo Dolls, among other artists. He also performed Queen’s “We Are the Champions” alongside the other two finalists.
“I did this for them. I just want them to be in a place where they can be themselves and their personalities can show. I just want to be the best dad I can possibly be,” Roberts explained to Jelly Roll, Idol‘s artist in residence, that his daughters were his inspiration to take his talents to the hit singing competition. Jelly Roll responded to Roberts by saying, “That’s purpose, baby. God gave you a beautiful voice and a purpose.”
After performing “First Time,” his first song of the night, Roberts received a ringing round of praises from judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie. Remarks from Richie, Roberts’ greatest supporter among the judges all season, were remarkably heartfelt.
“What I love about you is the way you just navigate the story, and it happens to come out of your mouth in brilliant form,” Richie said as the crowd behind the panel of judges cheered. “I love everything about you.”
Later in the episode, the viewing audience was graced with a glimpse of Roberts’ return to his hometown of Meridian. Viewers were treated to a snippet of students at Crestwood Elementary School, where the singer serves as a PE coach, cheering on their inspirational Idol sensation.
“No matter what happens after this, I’m still going to be your coach,” Roberts assured a crowd of young pupils after a round of playing in bounce houses and water gun fights.
The trip to Meridian then featured a Roberts family cookout ahead of a major parade that occurred in the singer’s honor. And if there’s one thing the national show’s audience found out about Mississippi on Sunday night, it’s that Mississippians show up in droves to support homegrown talent. More than 20,000 folks showed up in the east Mississippi city this past Thursday to express their support for Roberts — and of course, he put on a show for the masses.
Once the clip of his time in Meridian ended, the cameras panned on Roberts as he performed “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” as a tribute to his hometown. The audience and judges alike were wowed once again. Luke Bryan, especially, was in awe of the performance.
“I cannot believe that you’ve been in a school room teaching kids, and you go from that to what you’re able to do in front of us,” Bryan said. “You’re one of the most amazing people that I’ve seen on this show.”
As the finale continued, Roberts joined Jelly Roll onstage as the two performed the hit artist’s song “Liar.” Roberts, once the episode began to wind down, sang his rendition of “Heal.” Then, he and John Foster stood side-by-side as host Ryan Secrest prepared to announce the big winner. Breanna Nix had been eliminated earlier in the three-hour special. Once Roberts won, he capped the finale by singing “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton.
And the rest is history, though Roberts’ career in music is just beginning. The Mississippian started his American Idol journey with the judges begging for more confidence and swagger, and rubber-stamped his time on the show as a performer with a stage presence like no other. Roberts is the first person from the Magnolia State to win the competition since Trent Harmon donned the crown in 2016.
