Mississippi’s first “American Idol” winner in nearly a decade will be receiving a key to the capital city on Friday evening.
Mayor John Horhn’s office announced in a news release that Jamal Roberts will be presented the symbolic key, which is awarded to “those whose talent and leadership have brought positive recognition to Jackson.” Although Roberts is from Meridian, the soul singer has taken the stage several times in Jackson and is slated to perform at the convention center Friday night at a concert supporting Alcorn State athletics.
“Jamal’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, authentic storytelling, and the enduring influence of soul music rooted in our state,” Horhn said. “By presenting him with the key to the city, we not only celebrate his success but honor his role as an ambassador for our state including the capital city.”
Roberts won “American Idol” season 23 in May and has since been on stages across the nation and in the studio cutting new music. Last month, he released his debut single, “Mississippi,” a tribute to the state that shaped him, which since cracked the top five on Billboard’s R&B and hip-hop digital sales charts.
His rendition of Tom Odell’s “Heal,” which Roberts sang in the “Idol” finale, launched to the top slot on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and marked the first time a winner of the ABC show had claimed the spot.
Roberts is gearing up to go on the road with Brandy & Monica on their incoming “The Boy Is Mine” tour this fall. The tour launches in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 16 before ending Dec. 14 in Jacksonville, Fla. Of the 27 planned stops, the closest to Mississippi will be in Memphis (Oct. 30), Birmingham, Ala. (Nov. 15), and New Orleans (Dec. 5).
Although Roberts’ first tour won’t include a stop in Mississippi, he said during a recent interview with Billboard that fans can expect plenty of in-state shows, considering he never wants to move out of state.
“I love Mississippi. People try to get me to move, but it’s just so peaceful and just so down to earth,” he said.
Roberts was the first Mississippian to win “American Idol” after Amory native Trent Harmon did it in 2016.
