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Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts? Here's all you need to know about the 'American Idol' 2025 winner who created history
Jamal Roberts , who is a 27-year old physical education teacher from Mississippi created history as he won the American Idol. He is the first black man to win this prestigious reality show in the last 22 years. Here's all you need to know about him after his inspiring win - from his journey to early life and his family. Jamal's historic win! Jamal won the 'American Idol' title on May 18, 2025. The first black male winner was Ruben Studdard in 2003. Jamal defeated many other talented finalists like John Foster and Breanna Nix. His win felt personal to the audience who connected deeply with him due to his background and humble beginnings. His musical journey Jamal's musical journey began on a religious note which also is a testament to the strong roots of his music. He began singing at a church. His grandparents were influential in his inclination towards music - one of them was a bishop and another a deacon. He started singing in the choir and performed covers of artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson . He said in an interview, "I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents discovered my voice, and I've been singing ever since.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 자신이 전략의 달인이라고 생각하시나요? 레이드 섀도우 레전드 무료 체험 Undo Pursuing music while being a physical education teacher Before gaining nationwide recognition, Jamal spent his days as a physical education instructor at Crestwood Elementary School. Even with the demands of a full-time teaching job, he remained deeply committed to his musical dreams. His pivotal moment arrived during his American Idol audition, where he captivated judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a moving version of Rick James' "Mary Jane." That standout performance marked the beginning of his remarkable run on the show, where he continually impressed with emotionally charged and vocally dynamic renditions. Family life Jamal is a married man and his wife likes to maintain a very private profile. They have three daughters - Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and Gianna Grace ( who was born just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol in April 2025).


Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts? Meet the 2025 American Idol winner, know about his family, and inspiring journey
Jamal Roberts In a moment that will be remembered in the annals of American Idol history, Jamal Roberts , a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first black man to win the prestigious reality singing competition in 22 years. His victory in the 23rd season of American Idol, secured with a staggering 26 million votes, marks a significant cultural moment, following in the footsteps of Ruben Studdard, who claimed the title back in 2003. This historic achievement not only highlights Roberts' exceptional vocal talent but also reflects the diverse and evolving landscape of the American music industry. Here's a detailed look at his journey, early life, family, and the inspiring road that led him to this remarkable win. Jamal Roberts' historic win on American Idol 2025 Jamal Roberts made history on May 18, 2025, when he clinched the American Idol title, becoming the first black male winner since Ruben Studdard's victory in 2003. His powerful performances throughout the season resonated with millions of viewers, who were captivated by his soulful voice and emotional depth. The Mississippi native defeated talented finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix to claim the coveted title, a feat made even more remarkable by his ability to connect deeply with the audience despite his humble background. Jamal Roberts' early life and musical beginnings Jamal Roberts was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, where he developed a deep passion for music from an early age. Growing up in a tight-knit family with strong religious roots, Jamal's musical journey began in church. His grandparents played a significant role in nurturing his talent, with one being a bishop and the other a deacon. He started singing in the church choir as a toddler, performing hymns and classic covers by iconic artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson. In a 2025 interview with Billboard, Roberts recalled, 'I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents discovered my voice, and I've been singing ever since.' Jamal Roberts: The teacher who sang his way to fame Before rising to national prominence, Jamal worked as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School. Despite his full-time teaching role, he never let go of his musical aspirations. His breakthrough moment came during his audition for American Idol, where he impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a soulful rendition of Rick James' "Mary Jane." This performance set the tone for his inspiring journey on the show, where he consistently delivered powerful performances that showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. Jamal Roberts' personal life Away from the spotlight, Jamal is a devoted family man. He is married to a woman who maintains a private profile, and together they have three daughters – Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and Gianna Grace, who was born in April 2025, just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol. Despite his growing fame, Jamal remains deeply committed to his family, often sharing heartfelt posts about his children on social media. Impact and future prospects Jamal's victory on American Idol marks a significant cultural moment, inspiring aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. His journey from a small-town teacher to a nationally recognized artist stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and raw talent. As he steps into the next phase of his career, Jamal aims to continue making music that resonates with audiences worldwide, potentially redefining mainstream soul and R&B in the years to come.


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.


Mint
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
American Idol finale 2025: Who is the winner - Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, John Foster?
Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old dad of three, was crowned this year's American Idol. He competed against John Foster and Breanna Nix for the title, who placed second and third. Jamal sang 'Her Heart' by Anthony Hamilton to mark his win. The top 3 singers at the 23rd season of the show had less than three hours to earn viewers' votes during the star-studded finale. Jamal won following what was the 'biggest finale vote in show history', said the singing competition's host, Ryan Seacrest. Before tonight's finale, the contestants had returned to their hometowns for special visits, a tradition that adds a personal touch to the final stretch. Jamal, a resident was Meridian, Mississippi, told producers that his goal is to 'bring love and peace and unity' to his city. A physical education teacher by profession, he sang a rendition of 'Just My Imagination' by The Temptations with clips of his visit back home in the background. According to a Newsweek report from last year, the winner gets a record contract with Hollywood Records. Jamal will, therefore, receive $125,000 and an additional $100,000 after he completes an entire album, for a total of $250,000. Newsweek also said that the American Idol winner has a budget of as much as $300,000 to record that album, which is given as an advance that they will have to pay back against future earnings. The finalists performed their final along with group performances with the show's Top 14 contestants for a dazzling finale. They kicked off the live show singing Queen's 'We Are the Champions' together. The top 3 contestants also had the opportunity to perform with superstar guests like Brandon Lake, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, and Salt-N-Pepa. In addition, the judges themselves—Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie—will step out from behind the panel and onto the stage for special performances. Tune in to the Season 23 finale on ABC or stream it the next day on Hulu. American Idol will return for Season 24 on ABC.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Smokey Robinson Under Criminal Investigation for Sexual Assault Following $50 Million Lawsuit
Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation for sexual assault after three women filed police reports on May 9 in Los Angeles County. The special victims' unit of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department were in the early stages of the investigation as of Thursday, TheWrap has learned. The criminal probe followed a $50 million lawsuit against the music industry legend and his wife Frances Gladney filed May 5 by four former employees claiming sexual battery and assault. 'We are pleased to learn that the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. has opened a criminal investigation into our clients' claims of sexual assault against Smokey Robinson,' attorneys John Harris and Herbert Hayden said in a statement to TheWrap. 'Our clients intend to fully cooperate with LASD's ongoing investigation in the pursuit of seeking justice for themselves and others that may have been similarly assaulted by him.' Robinson's attorney told TheWrap, 'We welcome that investigation, which involves Plaintiffs who continue to hide their identities, because exposure to the truth is a powerful thing. We feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr. Robinson did nothing wrong, and that this is a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion and make even more of a media circus than the Plaintiffs were previously able to create. The record will ultimately demonstrate that this is nothing more than a manufactured lawsuit intended to tarnish the good names of Smokey and Frances Robinson, for no other reason than unadulterated avarice.' Responding to the allegations found within the lawsuit last week, Robinson and Gladney's attorney Christopher Frost said the effort was 'an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.' 'We ask anyone following this case to reserve judgment as the evidence comes to light and all the actual facts of the case unfold,' he said. 'We will be asking the Court to dismiss the lawsuit.' The first Jane Doe in the lawsuit stated that she started working for the Robinsons as their housekeeper at their Chatsworth home from Jan. 3, 2023 to February 2024, and was forced to resign after Smokey's repeated sexual assaults and sexual harassment against her. The joint lawsuit also alleges sexual battery, assault, fostering a hostile work environment, false imprisonment and gender violence. The R&B legend is known for his time fronting the Motown group The Miracles, and for penning hits for other artists, including 'My Girl' for 'The Temptations.' TMZ first reported the news of the criminal investigation. The post Smokey Robinson Under Criminal Investigation for Sexual Assault Following $50 Million Lawsuit appeared first on TheWrap.