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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.”
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