Jamal Roberts is an American singer, born on November 6, 1997 in Meridian, Mississippi. He first came into widespread recognition when he won season 23 of American Idol on May 18, 2025 — after receiving about 26 million votes, a record for the ABC version of the show. Roberts grew up in Meridian, Mississippi, in a family with strong church ties: his paternal grandfather was a bishop and his maternal grandfather a deacon. From a very young age he was exposed to music: he began singing in church choirs and performing covers of soul/gospel classics and even pop/soul artists like Michael Jackson and The Temptations. Before his “big break,” he worked as a physical-education teacher (P.E.) at Crestwood Elementary School in his hometown. He also competed on another show, Sunday Best (the gospel music competition on BET), in 2020 where he finished in the top 3. His musical journey included multiple auditions for American Idol — he auditioned twice before succeeding on his third attempt, showing persistence in the face of rejection. Roberts is a father of three daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna. While his family is not always in the public spotlight, he speaks about them as central to his sense of purpose and grounding: for example, balancing fatherhood, teaching and music. Despite his rapid ascent, he has expressed an attachment to his hometown, Meridian, Mississippi, and a desire to stay rooted rather than move to a major metro and lose his identity. After his win, Roberts disclosed that life changed drastically: his teaching position could not continue in the same way, leading him to step away from being a full-time P.E. teacher to focus on music, though he intends to stay connected to the school/community.
Four: He’s Preparing Me
“He’s Preparing Me” is Jamal Roberts’ debut single, released independently in 2020, long before his American Idol breakthrough. The song is a heartfelt gospel-soul track that showcases Roberts’ powerful vocals, emotional depth, and deep spiritual grounding. Written as a testimony of faith and perseverance, the song captures the essence of his personal journey — a young man of faith learning to trust God’s timing even when life feels uncertain. Through his smooth yet commanding tone, Roberts expresses the idea that every trial, setback, and waiting season is part of divine preparation for something greater. The lyrics center on the message that God is shaping him for future purpose — a message that clearly mirrored Roberts’ real-life path at the time, balancing his passion for music, his duties as a P.E. teacher, and his responsibilities as a father. It has garnered over 374K streams on spotify and over 500K views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. The song’s arrangement reflects the kind of church-rooted performance style that later defined his appearances on Sunday Best and American Idol. Many listeners connected to the song’s sincerity and emotional pull, noting that even as an independent artist with minimal production resources, Roberts delivered an incredibly moving performance. “He’s Preparing Me” became somewhat prophetic for Jamal. Today, “He’s Preparing Me” is often viewed as a symbol of Jamal Roberts’ beginnings — the song that first introduced his artistry to the world and laid the spiritual foundation for everything that followed. It’s deeply personal, timeless in message, and still resonates with fans who see him not just as a singer, but as a vessel of faith and resilience.
FYI
- Jamal’s win ain America’s Idol was historically significant because he became only the second Black male winner in the show’s history (the first being Ruben Studdard in 2003) and the first in 22 years.
Three: Mississippi
“Mississippi” was released on July 24, 2025, as a follow-up single shortly after Roberts’ triumphant win on American Idol Season 23. It serves as an homage—not just to his home state of Mississippi, but to the memories, peace and identity that he associates with where he comes from. It has garnered over 399K streams on spotify and over 426K views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. The track combines gospel, soul, R&B and even a hint of country. Roberts told Parade that he wanted the song to include “a pinch of almost every genre” because it reflects all of him—his roots, his faith, his upbringing and the musical influences he’s carried. On the deeper level, Roberts has explained that “Mississippi” isn’t only about the physical state or a hometown—it’s about the feeling of peace, the memory, the roots, the family and the place that gives you grounding. The songwriting credits list Roberts alongside collaborators Emile Ghantous, Daniel J Capellaro and Christian Stalnecker. Production was handled by Emile Ghantous. A music video followed, directed by Khari McCloud, which visually reinforces the themes of home, family and Southern roots. Finally, Roberts himself said that he recorded his vocal for “Mississippi” in one take—he was immersed in the moment, letting the feelings of home and memory carry the performance.
Two: Nothing Compares
“Nothing Compares” arrives as a pivotal moment in Roberts’s career — not just another single, but the latest chapter in his progression from educator and gospel-enthused performer to mainstream recording artist. The track was officially released on October 17, 2025, making it the most recent of his singles to date. In interviews and social media posts, Roberts emphasized that the song is an expression of gratitude and devotion — a recognition that despite success, there are moments, people or values in his life “that nothing compares to.” Garnering over 6K streams on spotify and 15K views on YouTube, “Nothing Compares” serves as both a love song and a tribute — potentially to faith, family, home, or a combination thereof. The title suggests an incomparable value or presence in his life, and Roberts has indicated on social platforms that the single is “for all of you who made my dreams a reality.” The track underscores themes of loyalty, appreciation, humility and a reminder of one’s roots even amidst rising fame. Because it is very new, full detailed credits (songwriters, producers) are not fully listed publicly yet. However, a music-preview listing on YouTube shows it under “℗ 2025 19 Recordings, …” which confirms the label and release year. The lack of detailed lyric-sheet or production breakdown means we don’t yet have confirmed names for all co-writers, engineers, or session musicians.
Awards/Nominations
- There are no widely reported major award nominations or wins (e.g., Grammy nominations) that Jamal has received.
- In 2025, He won American Idol Season 23 on the 18th of May.
- He also became the second Black male to win American Idol and the first in 22 years since Ruben Studdard in 2003.
Discography
- Here At Last (2021)
One: Heal
“Heal” by Jamal Roberts is a deeply emotional and spiritually stirring gospel ballad that marked a major turning point in his career, serving as his breakout single following his win on American Idol Season 23 in 2024. The song beautifully captures themes of restoration, faith, and divine comfort, reflecting Jamal’s personal experiences and his unwavering belief in the healing power of God. With its soulful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocal delivery, “Heal” became an anthem of hope for listeners who were navigating pain, loss, or self-doubt. It has garnered over 1.5M streams on spotify and over 2.6M views on YouTube. Upon release, “Heal” topped both the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song Sales charts, earning Jamal widespread recognition as one of the most promising new gospel artists. Critics praised the song for its emotional sincerity and vocal excellence, often describing it as a “testimony in melody.” Beyond its commercial success, “Heal” resonated deeply within church communities and online audiences, where many shared how the song had comforted and inspired them through difficult times. It remains Jamal’s most defining work—an authentic reflection of his artistry, spirituality, and message of grace.