Jamal Roberts, the 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has had a week most people can only dream of. On May 18, 2025, he was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23, earning the title of champion, a $250,000 cash prize, a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings, and a brand-new car. But for Roberts, the glitz of the stage and the roar of the crowd paled in comparison to a quieter, more profound moment: holding his newborn daughter, Gianna Grace Roberts, for the first time. Just days before the American Idol finale, Roberts welcomed his third daughter into the world, marking a double victory that blended professional triumph with personal joy. As he stood under the stage lights, Roberts carried the weight of both dreams—becoming a music star and being a devoted father—proving that sometimes, life’s greatest wins happen far from the spotlight.

A Star is Born—On Stage and at Home

Jamal Roberts’ journey to American Idol stardom was anything but easy. Born on November 6, 1997, in Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts grew up in a community where, as he told The Washington Post, “everything is not peaches and cream.” With high crime rates and limited opportunities, Meridian posed challenges for a young dreamer like Roberts. Yet, music became his refuge. Raised in a tight-knit family with deep religious roots, Roberts began singing at the age of two, his talent nurtured in church where he covered classics by The Temptations and Michael Jackson. His grandparents, a bishop and a deacon, recognized his gift early, encouraging him to perform hymns and Motown hits in front of the congregation.

Despite his early passion, Roberts’ path to American Idol was marked by perseverance. He auditioned for the show twice before Season 23—once as a teenager, when he was told he needed more training, and again when he came unprepared with only one song. But Roberts, who had also competed in BET’s gospel competition Sunday Best in 2020, finishing in the top three, never gave up. “I didn’t get defeated,” he told Billboard. “I took the ‘no.’ I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain, and try again.” His third attempt proved to be the charm. During his audition, Roberts impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a soulful rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” earning a golden ticket to Hollywood and setting the stage for his historic win.

Meanwhile, Roberts’ personal life was blossoming in ways he kept private until the right moment. Already a father to two daughters—Harmoni, 6, and Lyrik, 4—Roberts welcomed his third daughter, Gianna Grace, in early May 2025, just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol. He revealed the news during a live episode on May 5, sharing that his “healthy, beautiful baby girl” had been born that day. The announcement, which he had kept deeply personal until then, added an emotional layer to his journey, resonating with viewers who saw his dedication as both an artist and a father. On May 14, during his hometown visit to Meridian, Roberts finally met Gianna in person, sharing a heartfelt moment in a Facebook Live video where he held her close, calling her “my little ladybug.”

The Finale: A Victory Under the Lights

The American Idol Season 23 finale was a night of high stakes and raw emotion. Roberts faced off against two talented finalists: John Foster, an 18-year-old country singer from Louisiana, and Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Texas who leaned toward contemporary Christian music. Host Ryan Seacrest announced that the show received 26 million votes, the largest finale vote since American Idol moved to ABC in 2018, reflecting the intense support for all three contestants. But it was Roberts who captured America’s heart, securing the win with a performance of “Heal” by Tom Odell, a song he made his own with his signature blend of gospel roots and modern soul.

Roberts’ finale performance was nothing short of electrifying. Judge Lionel Richie, who had called Roberts “divinely guided” throughout the season, was visibly emotional as the results were announced. “I… near died,” Richie joked to The Christian Post, reflecting on the suspense. “I’m so happy for Jamal.” Carrie Underwood, marking her 20th anniversary since winning Idol herself, praised Roberts’ versatility, noting, “You just have this incredible ability to make things your own, and it all sounds fresh and new and fun.” Luke Bryan, who had predicted Roberts’ win early on, told People he had a “gut feeling” about the Mississippi native, a sentiment that proved correct as Roberts took home the title.

The victory came with tangible rewards: $250,000, a recording contract, and a brand-new car, all of which will launch Roberts into the next phase of his music career. But for Roberts, the true prize was waiting back home in Meridian. Minutes after his win, he told USA Today on the Idol red carpet, “I’m going to see my daughter, Gianna. I’ve got a lot of making up to do.” Gianna, just nine days old at the time of the finale, had already become Roberts’ biggest motivation, a symbol of the life he was building both on and off the stage.

A Father’s Joy: Meeting Gianna Grace

Roberts’ journey as a father has been a central theme of his American Idol story. His two older daughters, Harmoni and Lyrik, were fixtures throughout the competition, cheering him on from the audience and joining him on stage during key moments like “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night.” Their names, inspired by Roberts’ love for music—he told Parade, “I always said, even before I had kids, that I was going to name my kids after music”—reflect his deep connection to his craft. But it was the arrival of Gianna Grace, born in early May 2025, that added a new layer of meaning to his Idol journey.

On May 16, Roberts shared the first personal photos of Gianna on Instagram, introducing her to the world with a heartfelt caption: “Hey world, meet my little ladybug, Gianna Grace Roberts. I’m so proud to be her father. #girldadforlife #idol.” The photos captured Gianna in a ladybug outfit, a tiny t-shirt proclaiming “My Dad is the Next American Idol,” and a lavender and cream ensemble as she slept peacefully. The name Gianna, of Italian origin meaning “God is gracious,” paired with Grace, symbolizing kindness and elegance, reflects Roberts’ gratitude for his daughter’s arrival during such a pivotal moment in his life.

The moment Roberts met Gianna in person on May 14, during his hometown visit to Meridian, was a scene of pure tenderness. In a one-minute Facebook Live video, he held her gently, his face beaming with pride as he introduced her to his fans. “I love my daughters,” Roberts had told Parade earlier that month. “They are my world, my life. They’re the reason I’m here and working so hard to keep smiles on those little faces.” Fans flooded social media with messages of congratulations, with one writing, “She’s just as beautiful and adorable as her big sisters! Congrats Jamal! Now go win Idol!!!!” Little did they know, Roberts would do just that, making Gianna’s arrival a precursor to his biggest professional triumph.

A Hometown Hero Returns

After the finale, Roberts was whisked away to New York for media appearances, including performances on Good Morning America and Live with Kelly & Mark. But his heart was in Meridian, where he returned to a hero’s welcome. On May 14, during his American Idol hometown visit, 20,000 supporters gathered at City Hall for a mini-concert, a testament to the community’s pride in their native son. Roberts also visited Crestwood Elementary School, where he works as a P.E. teacher, reconnecting with his students and colleagues who had supported him throughout his journey.

Back at school, Roberts, known as “Coach Jamal,” was spotted on bus duty in a Facebook Live video posted by the school, showing his commitment to his roots despite his newfound fame. On May 30, Meridian planned a free “Celebration for Jamal Roberts” concert at City Hall, with VIP tickets available for $50, according to WTOK. The event promised to draw even larger crowds, with fans eager to celebrate Roberts’ victory. In the days following his win, Roberts enjoyed some downtime, bonding with Gianna and even stopping by Exclusive Cuts for a trim, as shared by local hairdresser Dermaine Johnson on social media.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Roberts and His Family

As the 2025 American Idol winner, Roberts is poised for a mainstream music career. His prize package includes the resources to record a debut album, and he’s already received interest from top producers and labels eager to shape his sound, which blends gospel, soul, and R&B. Roberts has plans to hit the road for a national tour in late 2025, starting with cities where he built his biggest fanbases during the competition. He’s also scheduled to perform at CMA Fest in Nashville on June 4 and at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi on August 8, a sold-out gig planned before his Idol run.

But for Roberts, his greatest victory isn’t the cash, the car, or the recording contract—it’s the chance to be a role model for his daughters. In his celebratory Instagram post after the finale, he wrote, “Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.” As he embarks on this new chapter, balancing fame with fatherhood, Roberts remains grounded by his family and his faith, determined to inspire young artists the way music saved him.

Jamal Roberts’ two victories in one week—winning American Idol and welcoming Gianna Grace—mark the beginning of a journey filled with promise. Under the stage lights, he became a champion; in the quiet stillness of fatherhood, he found his true purpose. As he holds his “little ladybug” close, Roberts is ready to share his voice with the world, proving that the sweetest victories are the ones that come from the heart. 🎤👶