Jamal Roberts Was Rejected Twice—Now He’s One Performance Away from Winning American Idol
As American Idol gears up for its Season 23 finale on May 18, the excitement is off the charts. With finalists Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts all vying for the title, fans are in for a powerhouse showdown.
One contestant who’s really captured America’s attention is Jamal Roberts. From the moment he wowed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with his soulful rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” viewers knew he was someone to watch. That audition earned him three yeses—and a ticket to what has become a life-changing journey.
But what many fans may not realize is that Jamal’s story with American Idol didn’t start this season. In fact, this is his third time trying out for the show.
Originally from Meridian, Mississippi, 27-year-old Jamal works as a P.E. teacher. But music has always been his passion. In an April 2025 interview with Billboard, he shared that his love of performing began in church as a young child.
“I started singing at two,” he said. “My grandparents noticed I had a voice, and before long I was singing in church, doing covers of the Temptations and Michael Jackson. My granddad on my dad’s side was a bishop, and the one on my mom’s side was a deacon, so I was in church all the time—ushering, singing in the choir, even playing drums.”
Given that background, it’s no surprise Jamal eventually set his sights on American Idol. But his path wasn’t easy. His first audition ended with feedback that he needed more vocal training and was too young. The second time, he just wasn’t ready with enough material. Still, Jamal never let rejection stop him.
“I wasn’t defeated,” he said. “I never gave up. I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and turn it into growth. That’s just who I am.”
While it’s taken years to get to this point, Jamal’s perseverance is paying off. And it’s not just his career that’s grown—he’s also a proud dad to three daughters, the youngest of whom was born just before he reached the Top 7. He even independently released a single back in 2020. Through it all, he’s remained grounded in the values and hometown roots that shaped him.
After earning his spot in the Top 3, Jamal took to Instagram to share his gratitude:
“Thank you, God!! Thank you, America!! Thank you, MeridianⓂ️! Thank you, American Idol! 😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾”
Now, with just one performance left to go, Jamal is on the brink of achieving the dream he’s chased for years—and fans across the country are rooting for him every step of the way.
