As American Idol gears up for its Season 23 finale on May 18, fans are eager to find out who will take home the title. With Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts all vying for the top spot, viewers are in for an unforgettable finish no matter the outcome.
Among the finalists, Jamal Roberts has captured a lot of attention this season. He first stood out during his audition when he delivered a heartfelt version of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” impressing judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood enough to earn a unanimous “yes” and a ticket to Hollywood.
But Jamal’s journey on American Idol actually began long before this season. The 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has always dreamed of a music career. In an April 2025 interview with Billboard, he shared how his musical passion was sparked in childhood while singing in church.
“I started singing when I was two,” he said. “My grandparents discovered my voice, and I grew up performing in church and doing covers of artists like the Temptations and Michael Jackson. One of my grandfathers was a bishop and the other was a deacon, so I practically lived at church. I sang in the choir, ushered, and played drums.”
Given his musical background, it’s no surprise Jamal wanted to audition for American Idol. However, getting this far took persistence. He previously auditioned twice but didn’t progress — once because he needed more vocal development and once due to a lack of prepared material. Still, those setbacks didn’t stop him.
“I didn’t let it get me down,” he shared. “I never gave up. I’ve always been open to feedback and used it to grow. That’s just who I am.”
Outside of the show, Jamal has been building his life. He’s a father to three daughters — his youngest was born just before he entered the Top 7 — and he even released an independent single back in 2020. Now, as he reaches new heights on American Idol, Jamal continues to honor the small-town roots that shaped him.
On May 12, after earning his place in the Top 3, he celebrated on Instagram, writing: “Thank you, God!! Thank you, America!! Thank you, Meridian! Thank you, American Idol!”