Reigning ‘American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts brings down the house at BET Awards with Kirk Franklin, Tamar Braxton, and more gospel superstars
Weeks after winning American Idol, Jamal Roberts had a star-studded coronation at the BET Awards.
The 27-year-old gospel and R&B singer from Meridian, Miss., won Season 23 of ABC's reality TV show on May 18 against country singer John Foster. In doing so, Roberts became the first Black man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard 22 years prior. "I'm anointed. I know how to use it. I know how to tap in," Roberts told Gold Derby after his victory.
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The physical education teacher and singer brought the house down at the BET Awards on Monday during a special group performance with Kirk Franklin, Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, and more gospel superstars. Watch the video salute:
The 2025 awards ceremony honored Black excellence in media for what was dubbed "Culture's Biggest Night." The nearly five-hour telecast prioritized entertainment, with special honors being doled out to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg. On the awards front, Kendrick Lamar finished the night with a leading five wins for music. The Best Movie prize went to the documentary Luther: Never Too Much. Denzel Washington was honored as Best Actor, while Cynthia Erivo claimed the award for Best Actress.
Hours before the BET Awards, Roberts serenaded NeNe Leakes on her talk show with a soulful (and completely a cappella) rendition of Joe's "All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)." The Real Housewives star was clearly moved by his voice, as she repeatedly shimmied her shoulders. "I'm just shining, honey!" she shouted when he mentioned a lyric about her shining like a diamond.
The BET Awards wasn't the first time Jamal Roberts and Kirk Franklin appeared together at the same venue. During last month's American Idol finale, Franklin took the stage with contestant Canaan James Hill for a compilation of "Melodies from Heaven" and "Love Theory." Later on that night, Roberts performed "Unpretty" and "Liar" with Jelly Roll, and then belted out "Heal" as his winning song.
Roberts went viral during his time on the competition show with his performances of "Tennessee Whiskey," "Liar," "Forever," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Shout," "Heal," "Undo It," "I Believe," "Go the Distance," "A Change Is Gonna Come," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "Beauty and the Beast."
The 23rd season of American Idol was hosted as always by Ryan Seacrest, and featured Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie in the judges' seats. It will be eligible at the upcoming 2025 Emmys.
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