The 23rd season of American Idol has concluded, and Mississippi native Jamal Roberts has been named the winner.
Roberts, a resident of Meridian, Miss., beat out finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix to take the top spot on the nationally televised singing competition.
“I never could’ve imagined this when I first stepped on that stage,” Roberts posted to social media. “From my hometown to this moment right here… I’m your next American Idol. To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything. Now I get to do what I love, with the best in the game, and share my voice with the world. This is my dream,… and it’s just the beginning.”
Roberts is the first African American man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. His win also marked the largest finale vote count in the show’s history, according to producers.
In an April interview with Billboard, Roberts said he began singing at the age of 2, performing hymns and musical covers in church.
“I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson,” Roberts said. “I had a grandaddy on my dad’s side who was a bishop, and a grandad on my mom’s side was a deacon, so I was [at] church every time the door opened.”
Roberts auditioned for American Idol twice before being cast in Season 23. In his first audition, he was told he needed more vocal training and was considered too young. In his second attempt, he had only prepared one song and was asked to sing a second. He was not selected either time.
“I didn’t get defeated,” Roberts said. “I never gave up. I took the no. I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain and try again. This has always been me.”
Roberts is the father of three daughters: Harmoni, 6; Lyrik, 4; and Gianna, who was born two weeks before the season finale, according to the Clarion Ledger. Harmoni and Lyrik were reportedly in attendance for several of their father’s performances and were present during the finale.