Originally published in Crosswalk
The season 23 finale of ‘American Idol’ crowned Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, as this season’s winner on Sunday night. Roberts, who has Gospel roots and grew up singing in church, won America’s vote following his performance of original single Heal, a cover of a Tom Odell track released through Idol, and a duet with Jelly Roll.
“I’m still trying to process this… God is so good,” wrote Roberts in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“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,” he added. “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.”
As a father of three daughters, Roberts hopes that they would recognize that” with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible. To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory.”
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Roberts won a $250,000 (R4.47 million) cash prize and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings. He previously auditioned for “Idol” as a teenager but was informed he needed more training, The Christian Post reported.
“I didn’t get defeated,” the singer said. “I never gave up. I took the ‘no.’ I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain, and try again.”
He also finished in the top three in BET’s Gospel competition show Sunday Best in 2020. Speaking with Billboard in April, Roberts explained how he grew up listening to Gospel music, hymns, and soul.
“My grandparents found out I could sing, and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson,” he said. “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.”
In an interview after the Idol finale, Roberts stressed how teaching will always be a part of his identity, even with his new career in music.
“I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, [who are] just my inspiration,” he said. “Even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”
Sunday night’s finale featured final performances from the top three contestants — Roberts, John Foster, and Christian mom Breanna Nix, who finished in third place. The show also included a number of special appearances, including Salt-N-Pepa, Jessica Simpson, Good Charlotte, and worship artist Brandon Lake.
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