Jamal Roberts won American Idol 2025, defeating fellow finalists—runner-up John Foster and third-place finisher Breanna Nix.
The 27-year-old grand winner made history as the first Black man to earn the prestigious title since Ruben Studdard's victory in Season 2 back in 2003.
Not only that, but the long-running singing competition garnered a staggering 26 million viewer votes—the most since its move from Fox to ABC in 2018.
With the public showing a huge interest in Roberts and his rising star power, poising him to become the next big singing sensation, meet the new American Idol and learn of his incredible journey.
Who is the American Idol 2025 Winner Jamal Roberts?
Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts began his musical journey as a member of a church choir.
"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, " he told Billboard. "I was the usher, and I was in the choir and I used to play the drums."
He started performing hymns and classic covers by iconic artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson.
"I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents found out I could sing and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson," he added.
First Song Released
Compared to other kids, Roberts wasn’t the type of child who would play outside. Instead, he would sing in his room and create music.
“When I got older, I felt better because I thought I had something special,” he continued.
Surprisingly, he wasn’t a fan of choirs or did any musicals. But despite that, he managed to win every talent show he was in.
He then released his first self-written song, titled "He’s Preparing Me," in 2020.
"It was one and done," he revealed. "I’ve written more but I haven’t released anything else."
Indeed, he knew music would be his career, though he admitted he was never fond of doing interviews.
"Interviews, I don’t love as much," he said.
Jamal Roberts’ American Idol Journey
American Idol 2025 wasn’t the first time Roberts tried his luck in joining the show. In fact, it was his third time, and it was definitely a success.
"I didn’t get defeated. I never gave up. I took the no," he explained. "I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain and try again. This has always been me."
He impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with his soulful rendition of Rick James’ "Mary Jane."
But among the three, he found Richie’s words, "When you are on stage and get to doing what you’re doing, you’re exploding," had the most impact on him.
"That stuck with me. It means I’m doing something," he explained.
The most important lesson he learned, on the other hand, was to "stay true to yourself"—never doubted yourself as it could cause a lot of stress and always go with "your first mind."
"Anything that you do, do your best," he continued.
Jamal Roberts as a Father and a Teacher
Before winning American Idol 2025, Roberts was a Physical Education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School.
His profession has had a significant influence on his life, with schoolteachers—his greatest role models—inspiring his path.
Despite admitting to be a handful, his professors never gave up on him.
"They saw my flaws, but they knew I had a gift for singing," he shared. "I had some great principals. I was different and they made it easy for me."
In addition to being a teacher, Roberts is also a dad.
While he hasn’t publicly disclosed the identity of his wife, he has proudly shared loving moments with his three daughters: Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and newborn Gianna Grace.
Gianna was born just days before her father’s Top 8 performance last April.
"Being a dad is great," he confessed.
Sure, Roberts grew up in church and learned the teaching of getting married first before having a child, but he considered being a father "literally the best thing that ever happened" to him.
"It calmed me down and gave me a better look at things and actually having girls teaches you how to treat a woman," he revealed. "They’re very sensitive, especially with their daddy. So you learn how to treat this one without making this one feel jealous."
Despite his rising fame, Roberts remain deeply committed to his family. In fact, he often shares heartfelt posts about his kids on social media.
As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, fans are about to see a new side of Roberts—one that proves he’s a force to be reckoned with.