Latest news with #HerHeart
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
American Idol 23's winner Jamal Roberts reveals what he plans to do after the finale
After winning season 23 of American Idol, Jamal Roberts has one thing on his mind: sleep! In a roundtable chat with media following the Sunday, May 18 finale, Roberts revealed his plans after winning. "I'm going to take a nap," Roberts, 27, explained. During the finale, a video was presented in which participant Breanna Nix, who finished third, predicted that Roberts would win earlier in the season. When he reflected on that moment, Roberts refused to believe it. "I said, 'Girl, hush. "Be quiet," Roberts instructed reporters. "I feel great. She was like, 'You're anointed. She stated, 'It's a different anointing. She said, 'You'll win this.'" Meanwhile, judge Lionel Richie stated that Roberts "can go any way he wants" with his career. "He can go to the country tomorrow. Richie told reporters after the show, "As far as I'm concerned, he's off to the races." "And I think what I loved the most was what America needed to see was the two of them standing together," he said of Roberts and the runner-up. "That is my prayer for America, since we are a melting pot. We aren't simply one tribe. And so seeing them together was just what I was hoping for." Judge Luke Bryan, who previously stated he had a "gut feeling" about Roberts, said he "wanted him to win". "When I say that, you never want to take away from what John Foster accomplished. John Foster is great, and I believe John will do... He'll perform well in music, but when I look at Jamal's overall approach to singing, he's a fantastic singer," he explained. "I believe that is what American Idol is all about: great singers winning, and he is a wonderful one... when I listen to [him], he really moves me. "I am a big fan of him. " Judge Carrie Underwood, who won the program in 2005, offered some advise to Roberts. "At the end, I got to wish him congratulations. I said, 'Now, go accomplish big things.' Because it's such an excellent launching pad, springboard, and opportunity. He has to hustle. "He needs to work hard," the "Before He Cheats" singer added. "He's got to make a lot of big decisions, and then say some prayers and see where the good Lord takes him." On Sunday night, Roberts, a gym teacher at a Mississippi elementary school, celebrated his victory by singing Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart" song.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What to know about 'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts. MS teacher wins in record finale vote
Jamal Roberts is your new "American Idol" winner. The Mississippi man won Season 23 on Sunday, May 18. He drew the most fan votes out of 26 million cast. According to PEOPLE magazine, host Ryan Seacrest said it was the "biggest finale vote in show history." "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 said in an Instagram post. "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. Roberts performed Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart" as his winner's song. Earlier in the night, he sang with Jelly Roll. John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runners-up, and Nix was eliminate about halfway through the finale. Roberts, 27, is a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Mississippi. He's the first Black man to win since Ruben Studdard took the Season 2 title in 2003. He's also the second winner from Mississippi. Here's what to know about Jamal Roberts and his run on "American Idol." The Meridian, Mississippi, native is a girl dad. His daughters are Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna. the youngest is only days old. He shared photos of his oldest girls having fun at Disneyland and a pic of his baby in a ladybug costume during the competition. "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 in an interview with Billboard. He told Billboard that he started singing in church as a child. '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.' He released a song that he wrote, "He's Preparing Me," five years ago but hasn't released more at this time. According to Billboard, the first time he was told he needed more vocal training and wasn't old enough. The next time, he only prepped one song and couldn't follow through when asked to sing something else. Ultimately, he won a golden ticket singing "Mary Jane" by Rick James during the audition rounds. "You need some swagger," Carrie Underwood said. "You can't walk around with that big ole voice and not have the rest of you being like, 'Yeah!' … You're so good. Just let your body match your voice." In addition to teaching physical education, Roberts also coaches about 70 kids in Soul Choir. "I wasn't really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration," he told USA TODAY after his win. "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." Roberts was also on BET's "Sunday Best." He made the Season 10 Top 3 on the gospel singing show in 2020. On Wednesday, May 14, Meridian held a parade for Roberts, followed by a mini-concert. The 20,000 fans turned out to support their hometown favorite. Trent Harmon, of Amory, won Season 15, and La'Porsha Renae, of McComb, was the runner-up. The Magnolia State has had several competitors climb the ranks in the show. Colin Stough, of Gattman, placed third in Season 21, and Amory resident Zachariah Smith made the Top 5. Skylar Laine, of Jackson, was also a Top 5 finalist on Season 11. The latest episodes of "American Idol" are available on Hulu. The longtime series has been renewed for Season 24. It will air in 2026. But whether this season's judges will be back has not been announced. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, Haadiza Ogwude, Mary Boyte, Lici Beveridge Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What to know about 'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts, a MS teacher
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'American Idol' winner welcomed a baby just days ago: 'A lot of making up to do'
'American Idol' winner welcomed a baby just days ago: 'A lot of making up to do' Show Caption Hide Caption 'American Idol' judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan talk 2026 season Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan reveal the talks they've had about coming back for Season 24 as Lionel Richie reflects on Season 23's star talent. Mississippi P.E. teacher Jamal Roberts is an "American Idol." John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runnersup, with Roberts crowned the Season 23 winner in a May 18 finale. With his win, 27-year-old Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Season 2's Ruben Studdard in 2003. For his winner's song, Roberts crooned Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart" as the Top 14 contestants crowded around him in celebration. 'American Idol' finale reveals 2025 winner: Is it Jamal, John or Breanna? But Roberts' crowning is just the latest celebration for the singer this month, as he just welcomed a baby girl to the world, his third. Minutes after he was named Season 23's winner, getting some sleep and spending time with the little one was top of mind for Roberts. "I'm going to see my daughter, Gianna," who's nine days old, the Meridian, Mississippi, native tells USA TODAY on the "Idol" red carpet after the finale taping wrapped. "I've got a lot of making up to do." Roberts revealed his new bundle of joy on Instagram May 16. With his daughter pictured in a ladybug costume, the singer wrote, "Hey world, meet my little ladybug, Gianna Grace Roberts. I'm so proud to be her father #girldadforlife #idol." Roberts has two other daughters, Harmoni and Lyrik. After Roberts heads back to Mississippi to reunite with the new baby, he's all steam ahead when it comes to music. But the elementary school coach says he won't leave teaching behind for good, necessarily. "I wasn't really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration," he says. "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." Contributing: Taijuan Moorman
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.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jamal Roberts Crowned Winner of American Idol 2025 in Record-Breaking Finale
The American Idol Season 23 finale delivered an emotional and star-studded night as Jamal Roberts , a 27-year-old father of three from Meridian, Mississippi, was officially crowned the winner . Competing against John Foster and Breanna Nix, who placed second and third respectively, Jamal sealed his victory with a powerful performance of 'Her Heart' by Anthony Hamilton. Host Ryan Seacrest described the outcome as the result of the 'biggest finale vote in show history,' with fans having less than three hours to cast their votes during the live event. The finalists began the night with a group performance of Queen's 'We Are the Champions', joined by the show's Top 14 contestants, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. Ahead of the finale, all three contestants visited their hometowns, a cherished American Idol tradition. Jamal's segment featured him singing 'Just My Imagination' by The Temptations, accompanied by touching clips from his visit home, where he expressed his hope to bring 'love, peace, and unity' to his community. Jamal, a physical education teacher by profession, now embarks on a promising musical journey. As per Newsweek, the American Idol winner receives a record deal with Hollywood Records , along with a $125,000 advance and an additional $100,000 upon completing an album, totaling $250,000. He will also be provided with a recording budget of up to $300,000, which serves as an advance recouped from future earnings. From his soulful voice to his heartfelt story, Jamal Roberts captured America's hearts—earning not just a title, but the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable musical career.
