Jamal Roberts Becomes 1st Black Male American Idol Winner In 22 Years
Source: Mike Coppola / Getty
On May 18, history was made on the American Idol stage as Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old father and P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, became the Season 23 champion. Read more about how he became the first Black man to win the competition in 22 years since Ruben Studdard.
With his soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, Roberts not only beat out finalists Breanna Nix and John Foster but also became the first Black man to win the competition in 22 years—since Ruben Studdard's iconic victory in 2003.
Throughout the season, Jamal captivated audiences with performances of 'Tennessee Whiskey,' 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' and his original single 'Heal.' Known for his emotional range and powerful vocal control, Roberts consistently brought the house down, becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of perseverance, purpose, and pure talent.
'I'm anointed. I know how to use it. I know how to tap in,' he told Gold Derby , moments after rolling around in confetti and making a snow angel on stage—a first for the Mississippi native. 'It still hasn't settled in yet,' he added, humbled by the support from his hometown, which showed out in full force during his pre-finale visit.
Roberts joins a short but mighty list of Black Idol winners, including Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks, Candice Glover, and Just Sam. His win also signifies a cultural moment for the show, highlighting a resurgence of R&B and soul in mainstream competition after years dominated by country-pop artists.
Judge Carrie Underwood praised the season's talent, comparing the finale's energy to early Idol seasons. Showrunner Megan Wolflick echoed the sentiment, saying Jamal's win had 'old-school Idol finale' vibes reminiscent of the Ruben vs. Clay Aiken showdown.
Despite skyrocketing fame, Jamal insists he's staying grounded. 'I love my city,' he said. 'There's no traffic. I don't wait in line to eat. I love my life!'
With plans to record an 'inspirational soul' album, Jamal Roberts is just getting started. And with this monumental win, he's carved out a powerful new lane for Black male artists in the world of televised music competitions—two decades in the making.
Congrats, Jamal!
SEE ALSO
Jamal Roberts Becomes 1st Black Male American Idol Winner In 22 Years was originally published on globalgrind.com
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
We spent 8 hours at Ebony Beach Club's 'Juneteenth on the Pier'
The Ebony Beach Club's priority is to create a space for Black beachside communities in Los Angeles. So, every year on Juneteenth, they transform a local beach into a full-blown festival, consisting of nonstop DJs, a vivacious dance floor and neighborly vendors. This year, the beach club partnered with Black Lives Matter and took over the Santa Monica Pier. Here's everything that went down. 12:39 p.m. I arrive early. Ebony Beach Club founder, Brick, runs from vendor to vendor, ensuring everyone is ready for the day ahead. He boasts that there's 'not a cloud in sight' — and that everything is aligning for today's 'historic moment.' 1:58 p.m. I never thought I would be able to say I've found a sense of inner peace in the middle of the Santa Monica Pier. The typically chaotic environment is transformed by rhythmic breathing exercises and sound bath frequencies. For a moment, it does feel like I am cooking under the hot summer sun, but still, I couldn't be more at ease. 3:09 p.m. So far, the music selection transcends generations. Anything from Aaliyah to YG and Frankie Beverly fills the beachy air. But after hearing more than one early 2000s Ne-Yo classic, I can't help but wonder what he's up to. Why the lack of 2025 Ne-Yo bangers? 3:40 p.m. The crowd is slowly growing. Most partygoers sport a mix of brightly colored swimwear with denim shorts or matching mini skirts. Others wear graphic tees that commemorate the holiday and show L.A. pride. The most standout looks so far have included bejeweled thongs, color-coordinated snapbacks and sneakers and pleated, baggy jorts. 3:58 p.m. In the flash of a moment, a familiar face glides through the crowded pier. Her grill catches the light and a pair of Labubus hangs from a designer bag. It's none other than R&B royalty Kehlani. A growing swarm of fans start to catch on. I get my chance to say something as she passes. I compliment her latest single and let her continue on her mission to the bar. Cool, casual and of course, no mention of the fact that I was listening to the Kehlani Spotify radio on the whole drive over. 4:45 p.m. Brick halts the music and offers a quick history lesson from the DJ decks. He speaks of the first Ebony Beach Club, started by a man named Silas White in 1957. That year, 2,000 Black people, including Brick's own grandfather, signed up to be members. But the City of Santa Monica had barred it from ever opening. Today's Ebony Beach Club celebration roughly creates space for around 2,000 people to be at the exact same beach and enjoy the party. 'This is the most Black people the Santa Monica pier has seen in a while,' said Brick, who was met with an echoing applause. 'Today, we are Black people who are occupying this space for the first time in a long time.' 5:30 p.m. The emcee says, 'If you're outside the barricade, I'm sorry. If you couldn't get a ticket, I'm sorry.' He addresses the consistent crowd of onlookers who have lingered by the barricades. Some appear to be tourists, but most spectators seem like they were too late to grab a ticket. Nonetheless, they are able to indulge in the sights and sounds, even if it's for only a few minutes. 6:17 p.m. What's an L.A. party without Los Tucanes de Tijuana's 'La Chona?' The norteño anthem gets mixed into T.I. 's 'What You Know.' Unexpected, but somehow serendipitous. 7:25 p.m. I'm starting to seriously question the weight limit on the truck. Though its height is that of a monster truck, it has the feel of a clown car. The truck bed, filled with DJ equipment, is overflowing with people singing along and jumping to the beat. People are perched atop the car, as well as those hanging off its side, in an impressive, partially aerial twerk. I can't even imagine the kind of core strength that it takes. 7:51 p.m. As the party wraps up, Sexyy Red's distinctive vocals overtake the crowd. It feels like one final hurrah. If there's been one consistent feeling that's marked the entire party, it's been an infectious sense of joy. 8:05 p.m. On the way back to the car, people yell 'Happy Juneteenth' out their car windows. My feet are a bit achy and the tops of my shoulders a little sore to the touch, but spirits are still high. Now for the biggest test of patience — braving the traffic of leaving a Santa Monica parking structure. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Country star goes viral for forgetting lyrics to hit song at stadium show
Luke Bryan proved that even the most experienced performers have mishaps. The country music star recently went viral when he forget the lyrics to his chart-topping hit 'Strip It Down' during his concert at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida on June 13. After finishing the main chorus of the song, Bryan exclaimed 'I totally forgot all the words,' as captured in a fan's TikTok that has gotten more than 1.8 million views as of Friday. The 'American Idol' judge, however, quickly rebounded. 'I got it,' Bryan shouts before continuing the song. The singer's fast reaction charmed TikTok users. Some left comments such as, 'I started cackling when he said that" and 'Nobody has a better time at a Luke Bryan concert than Luke Bryan.' Bryan is currently on his 'Country Song Come On Tour.' The tour includes an Aug. 8 show at Xfinity Center in Mansfield. Country music star's son calls him 'lamest man to ever walk planet earth' With new album out soon, country star has already 'got ideas' for next one Country singer involved in pedestrian crash that killed 77-year-old woman Country singer fulfills young fan's unusual request: 'Well this was a first' 'I need a break': Country star taking time to 'figure out what's next' Read the original article on MassLive.
Los Angeles Times
3 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
We spent 8 hours at Ebony Beach Club's ‘Juneteenth on the Pier'
The Ebony Beach Club's priority is to create a space for Black beachside communities in Los Angeles. So, every year on Juneteenth, they transform a local beach into a full-blown festival, consisting of nonstop DJs, a vivacious dance floor and neighborly vendors. This year, the beach club partnered with Black Lives Matter and took over the Santa Monica Pier. Here's everything that went down. 12:39 p.m. I arrive early. Ebony Beach Club founder, Brick, runs from vendor to vendor, ensuring everyone is ready for the day ahead. He boasts that there's 'not a cloud in sight' — and that everything is aligning for today's 'historic moment.' 1:58 p.m. I never thought I would be able to say I've found a sense of inner peace in the middle of the Santa Monica Pier. The typically chaotic environment is transformed by rhythmic breathing exercises and sound bath frequencies. For a moment, it does feel like I am cooking under the hot summer sun, but still, I couldn't be more at ease. 3:09 p.m. So far, the music selection transcends generations. Anything from Aaliyah to YG and Frankie Beverly fills the beachy air. But after hearing more than one early 2000s Ne-Yo classic, I can't help but wonder what he's up to. Why the lack of 2025 Ne-Yo bangers? 3:40 p.m. The crowd is slowly growing. Most partygoers sport a mix of brightly colored swimwear with denim shorts or matching mini skirts. Others wear graphic tees that commemorate the holiday and show L.A. pride. The most standout looks so far have included bejeweled thongs, color-coordinated snapbacks and sneakers and pleated, baggy jorts. 3:58 p.m. In the flash of a moment, a familiar face glides through the crowded pier. Her grill catches the light and a pair of Labubus hangs from a designer bag. It's none other than R&B royalty Kehlani. A growing swarm of fans start to catch on. I get my chance to say something as she passes. I compliment her latest single and let her continue on her mission to the bar. Cool, casual and of course, no mention of the fact that I was listening to the Kehlani Spotify radio on the whole drive over. 4:45 p.m. Brick halts the music and offers a quick history lesson from the DJ decks. He speaks of the first Ebony Beach Club, started by a man named Silas White in 1957. That year, 2,000 Black people, including Brick's own grandfather, signed up to be members. But the City of Santa Monica had barred it from ever opening. Today's Ebony Beach Club celebration roughly creates space for around 2,000 people to be at the exact same beach and enjoy the party. 'This is the most Black people the Santa Monica pier has seen in a while,' said Brick, who was met with an echoing applause. 'Today, we are Black people who are occupying this space for the first time in a long time.' 5:30 p.m. The emcee says, 'If you're outside the barricade, I'm sorry. If you couldn't get a ticket, I'm sorry.' He addresses the consistent crowd of onlookers who have lingered by the barricades. Some appear to be tourists, but most spectators seem like they were too late to grab a ticket. Nonetheless, they are able to indulge in the sights and sounds, even if it's for only a few minutes. 6:17 p.m. What's an L.A. party without Los Tucanes de Tijuana's 'La Chona?' The norteño anthem gets mixed into T.I. 's 'What You Know.' Unexpected, but somehow serendipitous. 7:25 p.m. I'm starting to seriously question the weight limit on the truck. Though its height is that of a monster truck, it has the feel of a clown car. The truck bed, filled with DJ equipment, is overflowing with people singing along and jumping to the beat. People are perched atop the car, as well as those hanging off its side, in an impressive, partially aerial twerk. I can't even imagine the kind of core strength that it takes. 7:51 p.m. As the party wraps up, Sexyy Red's distinctive vocals overtake the crowd. It feels like one final hurrah. If there's been one consistent feeling that's marked the entire party, it's been an infectious sense of joy. 8:05 p.m. On the way back to the car, people yell 'Happy Juneteenth' out their car windows. My feet are a bit achy and the tops of my shoulders a little sore to the touch, but spirits are still high. Now for the biggest test of patience — braving the traffic of leaving a Santa Monica parking structure.
