Key Takeaways
- Mississippi PE teacher Jamal Roberts has reached American Idol’s Top 5 with powerful vocals and emotional performances.
- With musical roots in church, Jamal named his three daughters—Harmoni, Lyrik, and newborn Gianna Grace—after his passion for music.
- Off-stage, Jamal remains dedicated to inspiring students as an educator at Crestwood Elementary School.
American Idol Season 23 has crowned its Top 5, and among them is Jamal Roberts, a fan favorite with a voice as powerful as his story.
He is a PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, and a devoted father of three, whose emotional performances and heartfelt journey have struck a deep chord with America.
Jamal has taken the stage each week and left audiences and judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood on their feet, delivering powerhouse vocals with unmatched soul.
But behind the spotlight is a man driven by love, legacy, and a belief in purpose.
A Voice Born In The Church
Jamal’s musical journey began early — very early.
During an interview, Roberts said,
“I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents found out I could sing, and I started singing in church and covering the Temptations and Michael Jackson.”
Growing up with a bishop grandfather on his dad’s side and a deacon grandfather on his mom’s, Roberts sang in the choir, played drums, and even served as an usher.
Despite shying away from musicals and school choirs, he honed his talent in the privacy of his room and won “every talent show” he entered.
The Dad Who Sings For His Daughters
More than just a singer, Jamal Roberts is a devoted father to three young daughters:
Harmoni, the eldest, Lyrik, the middle child, and Gianna Grace, a newborn who was announced during the live competition in May 2025.
Their names reflect his love for music, and their presence has guided his American Idol journey.
In an interview, he said,
“Even before I had kids, I said I was going to name them after music. They’re the reason I’m here… the reason I work so hard to keep smiles on those little faces.”
During the Judges’ Song Contest episode, Roberts shared the joyful news of Gianna Grace’s birth, making it an unforgettable moment for viewers and judges alike.
A Teacher Who Leads By Example
When he’s not performing on national television, Jamal Roberts is shaping young lives as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School.
He credits his former teachers and principals with believing in him.
“They saw my flaws, but they knew I had a gift for singing. They didn’t give up on me. I was different, and they made it easy for me.”
Now, he hopes to instill that same belief in his students inside and outside the classroom.
Rooted in Mississippi, Rising To The Stars
Jamal Roberts is the son of Carlos Roberts and Kim Danyale and is from Meridian, Mississippi.
His journey from small-town roots to national television is proof of the power of persistence, passion, and community.
Throughout the competition, he’s often spoken about the “love lifting him higher” from his hometown, his family, and his children. That love is evident in every note he sings.
He shared during a recent performance,
“It’s the love from my hometown, from my kids. That’s what keeps me standing here.”
Private Offstage, Powerful Onstage
Despite the growing spotlight, Roberts has kept his personal life largely private, including the details of his wife.
He has not publicly confirmed his marriage or disclosed the identity of his children’s mother.
What’s clear, however, is that his focus remains firmly on fatherhood, faith, and following his musical dream.
Whether or not he takes home the American Idol crown, Jamal Roberts has won nationwide hearts.
As his journey continues, one thing is sure: Jamal Roberts is just getting started!
