It’s been over a week since Jamal Roberts bagged the crown as the “American Idol” Season 23 winner, and the excitement is still going strong.
Things have never been the same for Roberts following his big win. From guest appearances and concerts lined up to his chart-topping single, “Heal,” his star is definitely shining brighter than ever.
But amid all the excitement surrounding his “American Idol” victory, Roberts revealed a surprising twist — he still hasn’t received his prize money.
Jamal Roberts Talks About His ‘American Idol’ Prize
In an interview with Us Weekly on Tuesday, May 27, Roberts revealed that he hasn’t seen his “American Idol” prize money. He teased:
No, I haven’t received it. Don’t know where it is. I’m interested in knowing.
As the grand winner of “American Idol” Season 23, Roberts gets a $250,000 cash prize. He and runner-up John Foster also get a trip for four on the Disney Wish cruise line.
While he may not have received his prize money just yet, Roberts already knows exactly what he’s going to do with it. The P.E. teacher shared that he has no plans for any “big splurges.” Instead, he’s taking a practical route and plans to “put it in the bank.”
‘American Idol’ Prizes Over The Years
Roberts not receiving his prize money yet may not come as a surprise to some. In 2022, “American Idol” Season 16 winner Maddie Poppe told Business Insider that the winner doesn’t really get the full amount upfront. She noted:
You get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it’s just like an advance from the record deal, but I’m pretty sure I have to recoup it.
Interestingly, the prize pool has drastically changed over the years. In “American Idol” Season 1, the inaugural winner, Kelly Clarkson walked away with a whopping $1 million and a record deal with RCA Records, per Parade.
Carrie Underwood also took home the same amount, a record deal, and a Ford Mustang convertible when she won in 2005, according to People.
Despite the notable gap in prize money, Roberts is more than grateful for his big win. The father of three is still in awe, noting that it’s a dream come true for him.
The new “American Idol” is staying busy as he gears up for a packed performance schedule. Roberts will take the stage at the CMA Fest in Nashville on June 4. He’s also slated to headline a fundraising concert on September 19 titled “A Night of Soul, Celebration, & Support for Alcorn State Athletics.“
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