Each year, the influential show “American Idol” airs a new season that hooks thousands of people worldwide to allow the residents of the American people to express their talent and have a chance to become the season’s “American Idol” to push their music career.
With the season’s finale, the audience’s votes decide the fates of the three talented singers. It was finally announced on Sunday, 18th May, that with the breaking world record of 26 million votes cast into the event, the 23rd Season’s “American Idol” is Jamal Roberts. Here are 5 fun facts to get to know him better:
1. His rendition of Tom Odell’s “Heal” hit #1 on iTunes
Jamal Roberts’s final performance was a reinterpretation of Tom Odell’s song “Heal”, with modified lyrics that created a deeply emotional piece, moving much of the audience to tears. The contestant was mentored by a previous winner on “American Idol”, Fantasia Barrino – she was personally moved by the performance, stating that Jamal “Loses himself in the music“.
Following the performance, the cover was released on Saturday (17th May) on multiple streaming apps such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. As of Tuesday (20th May), it has hit #1 on iTunes.
2. He began his career as a gospel singer in a church
With a Christian background, it’s no surprise that the start of his musical career began in his local church at the early age of two years old. Jamal’s grandparents recognised innate talent and encouraged him to pursue his musical career. Having his paternal grandfather serve as a bishop and his grandmother a deacon, it solidified his faith-centred environment.
With their support, it gave him the push to perform gospel music in the churches of Meridian, initially as the role of a drummer and later on as a vocalist in church choirs while also serving as an usher. With this background in gospel, it cemented the vocal abilities and musical style he has.
3. He’s a physical education teacher
When Jamal attended St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, Missouri, he ran track and was a standout athlete in both field and football, where he held the position of linebacker and running back. Because of his performance on the field, he gained the recognition of the University of Missouri.
Later in life, he became a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary in Meridian, Mississippi. When he was performing on “American Idol,” many of the staff and students of the elementary school attended the event and supported their teacher. Based on recent statements, even after winning the season, he continues to have a passion to teach.
4. He is a loving father to 3 daughters
Jamal Roberts’ profound devotion to his faith is well-known, yet it is the boundless love he holds for his three daughters that drew the attention of the audience. He often describes them as his greatest motivation and his ‘world’. During the live Top 8 episode of “American Idol”, Jamal joyfully announced the birth of his third daughter, Gianna Grace. His other two daughters, Harmoni and Lyrik, have frequently been seen supporting their father, making appearances on his Instagram page.
In a candid interview, Jamal shared that he had always intended to name his children after musical terms. He mentioned that if he were to have another daughter, he would name her ‘Melody’ or ‘Symphony’, continuing the tradition of musical names within his family.
5. He is the first Black man to win “American Idol” after 22 years
With the conclusion of the second season of “American Idol”, Ruben Studdard made history in 2003 as the first Black man to win the show. Now, 22 years later, Jamal Roberts has come up as the first to follow in his footsteps. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the show’s history, especially considering that the other four African-American winners have been women, with the first woman being Fantasia Barrino back in the third season in 2004.
Listen to his winning performance:
Sources: Instagram, American Idol, Celebsworld
Zaima Humaira contributed to this article
