By Kayla DeKraker
AMERICAN IDOL Season 23 found its winner! Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old dad to three daughters, took home the title and is thanking God for making his dream come true.
“I’m still trying to process this…God is so good. 🙏🏾” he said in an Instagram post.
“From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called AMERICAN IDOL. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream,” he continued.
The singer also mentioned how he hopes his hard work and dedication inspires his daughters.
“Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible. To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory.”
He then concluding by thanking his fans for all their love and support.
“Now, I get to make music with the best in the world and share my story. But this isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart…. THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all. 💙”
On Sunday, May 18, Roberts competed against finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix. He performed the song “Heal” as a duet with artist Jelly Roll. He also sang “Her Heart” as his winner’s song.
Roberts grew up singing in church, something that deeply formed his passion for music.
In an interview with Billboard, he said, “My grandparents found out I could sing, and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson. 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 added, “I sang a lot in my room. I would sing to myself or create music and it actually sounded good. When I got older, I felt better because I thought I had something special.”
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After his win, Roberts performed “Heal” on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, and many people thanked him for the uplifting and Godly message of the song.
“What an Incredible Message, Voice and Gift! Heal, Lord Jesus🙏🏽🙌🏼” one fan said in the comments. Another person added, “Heal!!! This song! This voice! What a gift!!!!!”
Despite his hard work on AMERICAN IDOL, Roberts says his family comes first. Two weeks before the finale, his third child, Gianna, was born. After his win, he said, “I’m going to see my daughter, Gianna. I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
He’s also dad to daughters Harmoni, 6, and Lyrik, 4.
“Being a dad is literally the best thing that ever happened to me. It calmed me down and gave me a better look at things and actually having girls teaches you how to treat a woman. They’re very sensitive, especially with their daddy. So you learn how to treat this one without making this one feel jealous,” Roberts said of being a girl dad.
Thanks to his win, Roberts took home $250,000 and a contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings. Now fans can look forward to more music and messages of faith from this aspiring singer.
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