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Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Did Meridian, MS, singer Jamal Roberts win 'American Idol'?
Meridian-native Jamal Roberts is the new "American Idol." More than 26 million viewers voted on Sunday night, May 18, the biggest turnout in the show's history. This season's final three was stacked with Southerners. Roberts competed against John Foster, 18, of Addis, Louisiana and Breanna Nix, 25, of Denton, Texas. After two rounds of performances, the three competitors stood on stage awaiting the third place announcement. Suspense grew and the singers held their breath before host Ryan Seacrest announced Nix would not be joining the final two. Roberts is the second Mississippian to win "American Idol." Trent Harmon of Amory won Season 15. Before Roberts, five Mississippi natives had made it to the Top 10. Skylar Laine of Jackson was a finalist on Season 11. La'Porsha Renae of McComb was runner-up on Season 15. Most recently, Gattman resident Colin Stough placed third in Season 21. Also in Season 21, Amory resident Zachariah Smith made the top five. Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary, started his "American Idol" Season 23 journey when he won a golden ticket singing "Mary Jane" by Rick James in audition rounds. Before competing on "American Idol," Roberts grew a following singing covers on TikTok. In the weeks following his audition, Roberts traveled throughout the U.S. with his fellow contestants, eluding elimination rounds with his raw, soulful performances. On Monday, May 12, Roberts became the fourth Mississippian in "American Idol" history to break the Top 3. When Roberts first auditioned, judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood were impressed, but agreed Roberts could use some more confidence. The singer gradually grew his stage presence, and by the finale, Roberts easily commanded the room. Mississippi has rallied around Roberts in the past few weeks, and no community has supported the singer more than his own hometown. Last week, Meridian held a massive celebration for Roberts' homecoming including a parade. Roberts gave a performance outside Meridian Town Hall that drew a crowd of 20,000. Meridian's entire population in just over 33,500. A video package shown before Roberts' second performance Sunday night showed the P.E. coach's homecoming before he flew back to California for the finale. "We are very proud that he is from Meridian," a resident said in the video. "He's showing our children they can accomplish their dreams." Roberts' students gave emotional speeches as the entire city showed their support. "No matter what happen after this, I'm still going to be your coach," Roberts told his students. Roberts moved the audience with a passionate rendition of TEEKS' "First Time" for his first performance Sunday night. Signs sporting "Team Jamal" swayed in the audience, and Roberts' family wiped tears as the music faded out. "You just look so comfortable and at ease in the way you're walking around interacting with everybody," Underwood said in a full-circle moment. Underwood told Roberts in his audition that he needed to work on looking more comfortable and confident while singing. "Will you teach me how to be how that smooth?" Bryan joked. "When we leave the set and I go back home, people ask me about you, and I'm like, 'Man, he is just so smooth with his delivery,' … Everything about you is a star." "What I love about you is the way you just navigate the story and it happens to come out of your mouth in brilliant form," Richie said. The song was hand-selected by this season's artist-in-residence Jelly Roll, who earlier in the season said Roberts' performance of his song "Liar" was even better than his original. Jelly Roll declared the song "Jamal's song." Roberts isn't the only Mississippian with ties to the song. Grammy-nominated songwriter Ben Johnson, a member of the sibling trio Track45, co-wrote the song. The Johnsons originally are from Meridian. Sunday night, Roberts and Jelly Roll sand "Liar" together. For his second performance, Roberts sang "Just My Imagination" by The Temptations. "I cannot believe that you've been in a school room teaching kids and you go from that to what you're able to do in front of us," Bryan said. "You're one of the most amazing people that I've ever seen on this show." After the judges' comments, Seacrest pointed out the lipstick stain still on Roberts' cheek from his mom before the performance. Roberts has shown his love for his family throughout the competition. Roberts is a father of three daughters Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and Gianna, who was born just two weeks before the finale. Harmoni and Lyrik have joined the audience for several of Roberts' performances, and once again cheered for their dad Sunday night. For his final performance, Roberts performed Tom Odell's "Heal," which he also performed to earn a spot in the Top 10. Once again, Roberts moved the audience to tears, adding his own twist on the original song, centering his version on his religious faith and love for Jesus. Roberts' version of "Heal" is available now for purchase and streaming. Lici Beveridge contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jamal Roberts wins American Idol 2025
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
And The 'American Idol' Season 23 Winner Is ...
Jamal Roberts, a grade school physical education teacher from Mississippi, won Season 23 of 'American Idol' on Sunday after wowing the judges with his versatility. 'You can sing things that are contemporary, and it fits. You can sing things that are throwback, and it fits,' first-year judge Carrie Underwood told Roberts during the finale, per The Washington Post. 'You just have this incredible ability to just make things your own, and it all sounds fresh and new and fun.' He defeated runner-up country singer John Foster and third-place Breanna Nix in a tally of 26 million total votes, twice as many as last year, host Ryan Seacrest said per The Hollywood Reporter. Here's Roberts' triumphant moment: Roberts, a 27-year-old father of three, performed The Temptations' R&B classic 'Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)' and Teeks' soulful 'First Time' during the finale. He made them appear effortless. It was a long way from his impressive but flawed audition when he sang 'Mary Jane' by Rick James. 'Relax,' panelist Lionel Richie urged him back then. 'You gotta loosen up,' Underwood advised, urging him to gain some swagger. 'It might be just like a confidence thing.' Looks like Roberts took their pro tips and ran with them. 'I'm still trying to process this,' Roberts wrote on Instagram after his victory. 'American Idol' Contestant Shocks Panel By Auditioning With Her Famous Mom Carnie Wilson Defends Her Daughter After 'Nepo Baby' Backlash On 'American Idol' 'American Idol' Alum Clay Aiken Explained Why He's 'Perfectly Fine' Being Single At 46, And It's A Very Relatable Take
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who won American Idol 2025? This Mississippi PE teacher scripts history in Season 23
The 23rd edition of American Idol concluded on Sunday on an exhilarating note. Jamal Roberts from Meridian, Mississippi, was named as the American Idol 2025 winner during the grand finale. His emotional performances, soulful voice, and moving personal story captured the hearts of fans across the United States. After a three-hour finale, which was packed with performances from season's top 14 contestants, host Ryan Seacrest made the announcement for the winner. Iconic musicians who were on the show last night included Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, and The Goo Goo Dolls. Who won American Idol 2025? Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old Physical Education teacher from Meridian, won the Season 23 of the American Idol. His journey began with an unforgettable audition of Rick James' Mary Jane, which earned unanimous praise from judges Lionel Richie , Luke Bryan , and Carrie Underwood . Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chuck Norris: If You're Over 60, Avoid These 3 Foods Like The Plague Roundhouse Provisions Learn More Throughout the season, he continued to woo the audience and judges with his genre-bending choices in music. He has performed Teeks' First Time , The Temptations' Just My Imagination , and Tom Odell's Heal. Although he was up against audience-favourite country musicians John Foster and Breanna Nix, Roberts defied expectations. He blended soul, gospel, R&B, and even country music into his performances and carved a style of his own, stated a People report. Robers secured the title with a record-breaking 26 million votes. Live Events Jamal Roberts' humility resonates with Americans As per the media reports, Roberts frequently opened up about his life as a father of three young daughters—Harmoni, Lyrik, and newborn Gianna. They even appeared on the show to support their dad. Audience could relate to Roberts because of his devotion to his family, honesty about his struggles, and small-town roots. He was quoted in a report saying he was just a country boy from Mississippi chasing his dream. Roberts recounted how his ambitions were undermined by many. Judge Carrie Underwood, praising his authenticity, said that he has an ability to make any song sound fresh, while Lionel Richie called him talented. Also Read : Memorial Day 2025 events list: Complete checklist of parades, carnivals and other fests to attend Jamal Roberts stuns audience by singing Anthony Hamilton song Roberts performed a stunning rendition of Anthony Hamilton's Her Heart in the grand finale after his crowning moment amid a confetti shower. He became the first male winner of African-American descent since Ruben Studdard won two decades ago. Roberts now is walking away with $250,000 as cash prize, along with an opportunity to record with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings. FAQs Who won American Idol 2025? Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old from Meridian, Mississippi, was crowned the winner of American Idol 2025. What does the American Idol winner receive? The grand prize winner gets a $250,000 cash award and a recording deal with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts, first Black man to win American Idol in over 20 years
The American Idol season 23 finale took place on May 18. Jamal Roberts was voted as the winner of this season, creating a new milestone. Jamal Roberts defeated fellow contestants John Foster and Brenna Nix in order to secure the title. Foster was awarded the first runner-up prize, while Nix came third. According to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, this year the viewers cast nearly 26 million votes, breaking last year's record. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Who is Jamal Roberts, winner of American Idol 2025? Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has become the first Black man to hold the title since 2003, when Ruben Studdard was crowned the winner. With his moving rendition of Her Heart by Anthony Hamilton Roberts, a father of three daughters, clinched the American Idol 2025 title. On the final night, Roberts was also seen performing TEEKS' First Time and The Temptations' Just My Imagination, impressing the judges with his signature soaring voice. Live Events Roberts also opened about his journey from a teacher to American Idol, candidly expressing the hardships he had to go through to be able to come to the singing reality competition. About the American Idol Season 2025 finale On Sunday night, the American Idol season 23 finale was held with much grandeur. The event featured several performers, including Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson and the Goo Goo Dolls. In addition to their solo performances, the top three finalists prepared for duets as Jamal Roberts performed with Jelly Roll, John Foster with judge Luke Bryan, and Brenna Nix with Brandon Lake. Along with Luke Bryan, the judges' panel featured Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie. American Idol 2025 prize money As per Newsweek, the winner of American Idol gets the opportunity to sign a record contract with Hollywood Records. This year, Roberts will initially receive $125,000 and then an additional $100,000 after completing an entire album. According to the publication, the winners of American Idol are usually given up to $300,000 in advance in order for them to create a debut album. Later, they are supposed to reimburse the money with his own earnings. Newsweek further reported that this structure has been modified over the years due to inflation.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Who is Jamal Roberts? Mississippi teacher becomes first Black man to win ‘American Idol' in 22 years
The American Idol Season 23 winner is a 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, whose soulful performances and inspiring story won the hearts of viewers across the country. After 26 million votes, the most ever in a season finale, Roberts was crowned the winner, making him the first Black male to win since Ruben Studdard in 2003. A devoted father of three daughters—Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna—Roberts balanced family life and teaching at Crestwood Elementary with his dream of a music career. His journey began in church, singing hymns and Motown covers under the guidance of his musical grandparents. Though he had auditioned twice before, Roberts didn't give up, returning this season with greater experience and confidence. His audition performance of Rick James' 'Mary Jane' impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, earning him a golden ticket. Throughout the season, Roberts delivered powerful vocals and emotional depth, with standout performances including 'First Time,' 'Just My Imagination,' and 'Heal.' His duet of 'Liar' with Jelly Roll became a season highlight, with Jelly Roll calling it 'Jamal's song.' Roberts' hometown of Meridian showed overwhelming support, hosting a homecoming parade that drew 20,000 fans. He joins fellow Mississippian Trent Harmon as one of the few from the state to win American Idol.
