Jamal Roberts on being ‘American Idol’ winner, going home to daughters
Jamal Roberts won “American Idol” Season 23, but he’s about to get even busier after recently welcoming a baby girl.
New “American Idol” winner Jamal Roberts was recently given the key to one Alabama city, but he declined the honor for a Magnolia State town. Why?
The Mississippi man won Season 23 in May. He earned the most fan votes out of 26 million cast. Host Ryan Seacrest said it was the “biggest finale vote in show history,” according to PEOPLE magazine.
What to know about the city key
At a June show in Atmore, Alabama, Roberts said the town “made us feel like we were at home” and gave him and his kids a key to the city.
“Thank y’all for loving on my babies and accepting me just the way I am,” he wrote on Facebook.
Shortly afterward, Drake Paige posted on social media that Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee gave him permission to give Roberts a key at the Noir & Blanc concert on Aug. 2.
Backlash was swift.
“I did not ask for a key to the city,” Roberts said in a Facebook Live.
He said there had been negative comments and threats, including people saying they’ll bring guns. Roberts said some were angry because he doesn’t live there and listed others who they say live in the area and deserve the honor.
“Y’all should get it and give it to them, somebody that’s deserving, I guess,” he said. “You know, been working in the community for years. But I don’t want it.”
He said he politely declines. He said he thanks the mayor, “but, respectfully, keep it.”
Roberts still plans to perform at the upcoming event.
The city has a population of about 16,900 and is between Hattiesburg and Meridian. It’s known for its history, architecture and Southern charm. Ben and Erin Napier made the town a national name with their show “Home Town.”
The Clarion-Ledger has reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
What to know about Jamal Roberts
Roberts was a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Mississippi before appearing on the show.
The Meridian native is also a girl dad to three daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik and newborn Gianna.
He’s the first Black man to win since Ruben Studdard took the Season 2 title in 2003.
Roberts is the second winner from Mississippi. He’d tried out for the show twice before coming back and winning it all.
Ultimately, he won a golden ticket this year singing “Mary Jane” by Rick James during the audition rounds.
When can I see him sing in Mississippi?
Roberts has 2025 Mississippi concerts listed on Eventbrite before the national tour starts in the fall.
Shows include:
- Noir & Blanc: 8 p.m. Aug. 2 at L.T. Ellis Center, 610 Munson St., Laurel.
- Jamal Roberts: 4 p.m. Aug. 24 at Kandy Factory Event Center, 1203 North Jackson St., Crystal Springs.
- An Evening with Jamal Roberts: 7-10 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Jackson Convention Complex Center, 105 East Pascagoula St., Jackson.
He’s also listed as a headliner at the Ironhorse Music & Heritage Festival along with Keke Wyatt and MaKenzie Thomas. The event is Sept. 20 in McComb.
See photos of Jamal Roberts on ‘American Idol’
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Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at [email protected].