Disney/Christopher Willard American Idol's season 23 finale came down to three contestants: Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts and John Foster Roberts took home the title after performing "Her Heart" by Anthony Hamilton The Mississippi native hoped hisAmerican Idoljourney brought "a little light" to his hometown American Idolhas crowned the season 23 winner:Jamal Roberts! The Mississippi native first made his mark during theauditionround when he sang "Mary Jane" by Rick James, earning him a "yes" from all three judges — includingformer champCarrie Underwood— and a ticket to Hollywood. Ahead of the May 18 finale, judgeLuke Bryantold PEOPLE he had a "gut feeling" about Roberts, saying, "My gut has told me Jamal has ... [been] a lead all year." When it came down to the final round, Roberts took home the title after performing "Her Heart" by Anthony Hamilton. Following his victory, he shared a celebratory post onInstagram, writing that "this isn't the end… it's just the beginning." "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," Roberts wrote. "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." So, who is the winner ofAmerican Idolseason 23? Here's everything to know about Jamal Roberts. Jamal Roberts/ Instagram Roberts was born on Nov. 6, 1997, in Meridian, Miss., perBillboard. During a March 2025video packagebefore a performance, Roberts opened up about what it was like growing up in Meridian, saying, "Everything is not peaches and cream." He explained that due to crime rates in the city, there are days when people "don't even want to come outside." "There's potential in this city, and it could be a whole lot better than what it is," Roberts continued. "So I'm hoping that I can bring a little light to it." Jamal Roberts/ Instagram Before making it to Hollywood, Roberts worked as a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Meridian. In his March 2025 video package, Roberts shared that he hopes his students see him "as an inspiration and learn to be themselves." Though his music career is gaining momentum, Roberts toldUSATodaythat he has no plans to completely step away from teaching just yet. "I wasn't really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, [who are] just my inspiration," he said. "So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that." Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Long beforeAmerican Idol, Roberts was performing in church and singing Motown classics. "I started singing at the age of two," he toldBillboard. "My grandparents found out I could sing and I started singing in church and [covering]the TemptationsandMichael Jackson." He explained that because his paternal grandfather was a bishop and his maternal one was a deacon, he was practically "in church every time the door opened." "I was the usher, and I was in the choir and I used to play the drums," Roberts continued. When it came to school, Roberts didn't participate in the choir or musicals, but he "won every talent show." Years later, Roberts released his first self-written song, "He's Preparing Me," in 2020. Jamal Roberts/ Instagram Roberts emerged as a standout during season 23, but it took him threeAmerican Idolauditions before even making it to Hollywood. PerBillboard, Roberts received mixed reactions during his first audition — a "yes" and a "no" — and was told he was too young and needed vocal training. He tried again, and he advanced but was eliminated after he was asked to sing a second song, which he had not prepared for. "I didn't get defeated. I never gave up. I took the no," he toldBillboard. "I've always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain and try again. This has always been me." As for the most impactful piece of feedback he received, Roberts recalled a certain note from judgeLionel Richie: "He said, 'When you are on stage and get to doing what you're doing, you're exploding. I hate to see you leave.' " "That stuck with me," Roberts recalled. "It means I'm doing something right." Disney/Christopher Willard In addition to the substantial cash prize, Roberts is walking away from hisAmerican Idolexperience with several important lessons. "I've learned to stay true to yourself. Don't second-guess yourself," he toldBillboard. "Oh man, second-guessing can cause a lot of stress. Go with your first mind. Anything that you do, do your best." Jamal Roberts/ Instagram (2) Roberts is a proud "girl dad" to his three daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna, who wasborndays before theAmerican Idolfinale. Harmoni and Lyrik supported their dad at his first audition, telling him how proud they were after he moved on to the Hollywood round. "I'm really happy that my girls were with me," he said after receiving his Golden Ticket. "They're my motivation every day, so just to have them here with me means a lot." In his celebratory Instagram post after the finale, Roberts had a special message for his daughters: "Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible." Read the original article onPeople
