Mississippi P.E. teacher Jamal Roberts is an “American Idol.”

John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runnersup, with Roberts crowned the Season 23 winner in a May 18 finale.
With his win, 27-year-old Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Season 2’s Ruben Studdard in 2003. For his winner’s song, Roberts crooned Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” as the Top 14 contestants crowded around him in celebration.

‘American Idol’ finale reveals 2025 winner: Is it Jamal, John or Breanna?
But Roberts’ crowning is just the latest celebration for the singer this month, as he just welcomed a baby girl to the world, his third.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Minutes after he was named Season 23’s winner, getting some sleep and spending time with the little one was top of mind for Roberts.
What you missed on your favorite shows: Sign up for USA TODAY’s Entertainment newsletter.

“I’m going to see my daughter, Gianna,” who’s nine days old, the Meridian, Mississippi, native tells USA TODAY on the “Idol” red carpet after the finale taping wrapped. “I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
Roberts revealed his new bundle of joy on Instagram May 16. With his daughter pictured in a ladybug costume, the singer wrote, “Hey world, meet my little ladybug, Gianna Grace Roberts. I’m so proud to be her father #girldadforlife #idol.”
Roberts has two other daughters, Harmoni and Lyrik.
After Roberts heads back to Mississippi to reunite with the new baby, he’s all steam ahead when it comes to music. But the elementary school coach says he won’t leave teaching behind for good, necessarily.
“I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration,” he says. “So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”
News
“AFTER YEARS OF SILENCE…” Meghan Reaches Out to Thomas Markle Following Emergency Leg Amputation — Royal Watchers Are Shocked
The Duchess of Sussex’s father had his leg amputated below the knee Meghan Markle “has reached out to her father”…
The Heat, the Hate, and the First Stand of Elena Marquez
The July heat at Fort Moore didn’t just burn — it suffocated. Waves of blistering Georgia sunlight rippled across the…
EXCLUSIVE: Gayle King’s Controversial Photo With Jesse Watters Labeled a “Career Strategy” — As CBS Quietly Tilts to the Right Under New Boss Bari Weiss
In a media landscape already fractured by politics, tribalism, and an audience more polarized than ever, a single photograph has…
BREAKING: Netflix’s New Drama Is Being Called ‘Crazy Rich Asians BUT BETTER’ — And It’s Taking Over the Internet!
Aslı Enver, Engin Akyürek in Old MoneyNetflix Netflix’s international content is doing better than ever, and it feels like every…
“JUST IN!” Adam Sandler Drops Two Words About Jennifer Aniston’s Boyfriend — And Hollywood Is BUZZING
JUST IN: ‘HE’S SOLID’ — Adam Sandler’s Two-Word Remark About Jennifer Aniston’s New Boyfriend Sends Hollywood Into a Spiral of…
“JUST IN — POWER PLAY?” Jennifer Aniston Accused of Urging Boyfriend Jim Curtis to Cash In on His Sudden Fame to Boost His Business
Smitten Jennifer Aniston is totally under the spell of her hypnotist boyfriend Jim Curtis — and Globe has learned she’s pushing him hard to cash in…
End of content
No more pages to load






