American Idol winner Jamal Roberts rejected a proposed “key to the city” in Laurel, Miss., after backlash and threats over him not being a local resident.

Jamal Roberts received threats over a recent show.
Jamal Roberts received threats over a recent show. (Image: Getty)

Jamal Roberts’ triumphant homecoming after winning American Idol quickly turned sour as online threats and local backlash forced him to address tensions brewing over a symbolic honor he says he never asked for.

Roberts, 27, had planned a string of performances across Mississippi to thank fans for their support during his rise to national stardom on the ABC singing competition.

The Meridian native and physical education teacher has remained committed to staying in his home state, saying he has “no plans to move.

But one stop on the tour stirred unexpected controversy.

A concert promoter in Laurel, Mississippi, posted on Facebook that Roberts would be receiving a key to the city from Mayor Johnny Magee during an August 2 event.

Jamal Roberts won American Idol 2025.
Jamal Roberts won American Idol 2025. (Image: Getty)

“I just got word that the mayor Johnny Magee will let me present Jamal Roberts with the ‘key to the city’ August 2nd! This is big! Look at GOD moving!” wrote promoter Drake Paige.

The announcement ignited a wave of criticism from some Laurel residents who questioned whether the honor should go to someone who doesn’t live in the city.

“He ain’t from Laurel. That ain’t fair now,” one Facebook user wrote.

Another added: “Jamal Roberts from Meridian who only came through Laurel to get to Hattiesburg.”

The backlash escalated, with several posts making veiled threats about the event.

“You have people sharing the post, making threats, talking about they’ll have guns at the event,” Roberts said in a post responding to the controversy.

“I worked with kids before American Idol and it’s crazy that … kids can comprehend [how to behave] more than grown folk. It’s a sad world we live in.”

Roberts previously received a key to the city from officials in Atmore, Alabama, a gesture of recognition that may have inspired the Laurel tribute.

“I did not ask for a key to the city,” he said.

“Y’all should get it and give it to them, somebody that’s deserving, I guess. You know, been working in the community for years. But I don’t want it.”