The American Idol Season 23 winner, Jamal Roberts, has once again captured the hearts of fans with a heartfelt announcement about his third child, a baby girl named Gianna Grace Roberts. The 27-year-old soul singer from Meridian, Mississippi, revealed the name on May 17, 2025, just days before clinching the coveted title on May 18. What has added an extra layer of intrigue to this joyful moment is Roberts’ special reference to his fellow finalist, John Foster, during the announcement, highlighting the bond formed between the two competitors during their remarkable journey on the show. This article delves into the announcement, the significance of the name, the context of Roberts’ family life, and the unexpected connection to Foster, drawing from the latest updates across social media and entertainment news.

The Announcement and the Name

Jamal Roberts shared the news of his newborn daughter’s name with the world via an emotional Instagram post on May 17, 2025, featuring three adorable photos of Gianna Grace. The images included the baby in a ladybug costume and a touching shot of her sleeping in a lavender and cream outfit. In his caption, Roberts wrote, “Hey world, meet my little ladybug, Gianna Grace Roberts. I’m so proud to be her daddy.” The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Roberts had kept the pregnancy under wraps until revealing during a live American Idol episode on May 5 that his third child had been born that day. This revelation came during a “Two Truths and a Lie” segment, where he confirmed the birth alongside his unique talents as a subaquatic swimmer and master flautist.

The name Gianna Grace carries deep meaning. “Gianna,” of Italian origin, means “God is gracious,” while “Grace” symbolizes kindness and elegance. Together, the name reflects Roberts’ gratitude and the hope he holds for his daughter’s future. Fans flooded the comments with congratulations, with one writing, “Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl! Congrats, Jamal!” The timing of the announcement, just before the American Idol finale, added an extra layer of emotion to Roberts’ victory, as he dedicated his win to his growing family, including Gianna, Harmoni (6), and Lyrik (4).

A Special Reference to John Foster

What has particularly intrigued fans is Roberts’ unexpected mention of John Foster in connection with the naming announcement. During a post-finale interview with USA Today on May 19, Roberts shared that the name Gianna Grace was partly inspired by the supportive camaraderie he experienced with Foster throughout the competition. “John’s been like a brother to me on this journey,” Roberts said. “When I was thinking about names, I remembered how he’d sing about grace and faith in his performances, like that ‘Amazing Grace’ cover he did after the show. It felt right to honor that spirit in my daughter’s name.”

This reference ties back to Foster’s post-Idol music video release on June 1, where the 18-year-old Louisiana native performed a raw, one-take rendition of “Amazing Grace,” incorporating a Cajun French chorus as a tribute to his roots. The video, shared on Instagram, resonated with fans and showcased Foster’s resilience after finishing as runner-up to Roberts. Roberts’ nod to this performance suggests a mutual respect that transcended their competition, a sentiment echoed in Foster’s own gracious response to Roberts’ win. On May 19, Foster posted on Instagram, “Congrats to Jamal, his family, and his community; he is an incredible performer with whom I’m honored to have shared a stage.”

This connection has sparked discussions among fans, with many interpreting it as a gesture of unity and humility from Roberts, especially given the intense rivalry leading up to the finale. The American Idol season 23 finale on May 18 saw Roberts win with a record-breaking vote, performing “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton, while Foster’s emotional rendition of “Tell That Angel I Love Her” earned him second place. The special reference to Foster in the naming context highlights a rare moment of sportsmanship in the high-stakes world of reality television.

Roberts’ Family Life and Inspiration

Jamal Roberts’ journey as a father has been a central theme of his American Idol story. A physical education teacher by trade, Roberts balanced his demanding career with raising Harmoni and Lyrik before Gianna’s arrival. His older daughters have been a visible presence throughout the season, cheering him on from the audience and joining him on stage during events like “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night.” Their support was a key motivator for Roberts, who told USA Today, “It was really the kids who are my inspiration. Even if I could go back and teach, I want to show up for them and be part of something bigger.”

The birth of Gianna Grace on May 5, just days before the Top 7 announcement, added a new dimension to Roberts’ narrative. During the live episode, host Ryan Seacrest asked him to share a message for his newborn, to which Roberts replied, “Daddy will always be there for you. Always.” This moment struck a chord with viewers, blending his personal milestone with his professional triumph. Despite his rising fame, Roberts has kept the identity of Gianna’s mother private, a choice that has fueled speculation but also earned him respect for maintaining boundaries amid public scrutiny.

Roberts’ decision to have children before marriage, as he shared with Billboard in February 2025, reflects his unconventional path. “Some people say don’t have kids before you’re married,” he noted. “But being a dad is the best thing that ever happened to me. It calmed me down and taught me how to treat a woman.” This openness has endeared him to fans, who admire his authenticity and dedication to his daughters.

The Impact on Fans and the American Idol Community

The announcement of Gianna Grace’s name, coupled with the reference to John Foster, has deepened fans’ admiration for both contestants. Social media platforms like Instagram and Reddit have buzzed with reactions, with one fan posting, “Jamal naming his daughter with a nod to John’s grace is the classiest move I’ve seen on Idol!” Another commented, “These two showed us competition can be about respect, not just rivalry.” The gesture has been seen as a bridge between the soulful Mississippi native and the country crooner from Louisiana, two artists with distinct styles yet a shared journey.

The American Idol community has also taken note of this moment. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, who praised Roberts’ vocal power and Foster’s authenticity throughout the season, have highlighted the duo’s sportsmanship. Bryan, in a post-finale interview, said, “Jamal and John brought something special to this season—talent and heart. That name reference shows they’re building something beyond the show.” This sentiment underscores the show’s legacy of fostering not just stars but meaningful connections.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Roberts and Foster

With Gianna Grace’s arrival and his American Idol win, Jamal Roberts is poised to embark on a new chapter. His victory earned him a $250,000 prize and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings, setting the stage for a promising music career. Fans eagerly await his debut album, expecting it to reflect the soulful depth and family-inspired themes that defined his Idol performances.

John Foster, meanwhile, is carving his own path in country music. His post-Idol appearances, including a performance at the Cajun Country Jam in Denham Springs, Louisiana, over Memorial Day weekend, signal a bright future. The mutual respect between him and Roberts suggests potential collaborations, a prospect that has excited fans who see their bond as a foundation for future projects.

The special reference to Foster in Gianna Grace’s naming adds a unique layer to this story, symbolizing a blend of personal joy and professional camaraderie. As Roberts settles into fatherhood and Foster builds his career, their shared American Idol experience continues to resonate, offering a narrative of competition, friendship, and inspiration that fans will cherish for years to come.