Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, won the title during the grand finale episode of season 23 on Sunday. His breathtaking performance impressed the judges and captivated the crowd! The father of three dazzled judges and audiences alike with his emotional performance of Tom Odell’s “Heal.” His exhilarating showing earned him a first-place finish out of 24 hungry competitors.
Roberts’ success on the show is about more than winning. He wants to use his accomplishment to motivate his kids. She added, “I get to make music with the best in the world!” He opened up about what winning means to him personally and the narrative that his winning enables him to create. His awe-inspiring performance blew away audiences and judges alike. It showcased the full range of his stunning vocal prowess while illuminating the profound emotional tether he’d formed to this song.
In that finale, Roberts went to head-to-head combat with runner-up John Foster, an 18-year-old college student from nearby Addis, Louisiana. Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas, grabbed the third-place finish with a stellar ride. Through music, dance and magical illusion, the all-star season finale proved to be a celebration of talent—including a special performance by pop star Jessica Simpson. Simpson returned to the stage after more than a decade, delighting fans with her song “Blame Me” from her new album “Nashville Canyon: Part 1.” She was accompanied by former contestant on the show, Josh King which made the night even more thrilling.
Roberts took to Instagram to rejoice at his hard-won victory, saying he was “over the moon” with delight and gratitude. He continued, “This isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart…. THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all.” His self-deprecating acceptance of all the help he got along the way reinforces the teamwork vibe, too — one of the things that makes “American Idol” so different.
Roberts, in reflecting on his experience, shared that “From my very first footstep on that stage to this crazy moment, I’d never thought a kid from my hometown would get called American Idol.” His journey has been absolutely remarkable. What I hear in this statement is tremendous personal growth. It motivates people to pursue what they love, regardless of what adversity is in their way.
Meanwhile, Season 23 of “American Idol” is coming to a close. Through technical mastery and sheer will, Roberts proves anything is possible. His story won’t just have you rooting for an underdog, it will show your students that dreams really do come true.
