Fresh off his history-making win on American Idol, Jamal Roberts is using his voice for something beyond music. The soulful singer and father of three recently spoke out with a personal message to fans. His request was simple and sincere: when he’s out with his children, please respect his space.
Roberts, who became a fan favorite for his authenticity and emotional depth, opened up in a video message where he candidly addressed his experience navigating fame while trying to be a present father.
“It’s okay to say hi,” he said warmly. “But when I’m with my kids, sometimes it’s a lot for them. I just want that little bit of time to be just us.”
Balancing Fame and Fatherhood
Jamal explained that he’s not trying to come off as rude or dismissive, but being approached by crowds for photos while caring for his daughters can be overwhelming. His daughters — Harmony, Lyric, and newborn Giana — are still adjusting to the attention.
“I’m trying to get them used to it,” he said. “But it’s still new. It gets overwhelming for them. And when they’re overwhelmed, so am I.”
He shared that during a recent public outing, security had to step in to prevent photo requests while he was shopping with his girls. One fan was reportedly upset and took to Facebook to express disappointment. Roberts responded with understanding but stood firm.
“If I’m out alone, I’ll take a picture with you,” he said. “But when my kids are with me, just let me have that moment. We don’t get a lot of those.”
READ MORE: Jennifer Hudson shares heartwarming backstage moment with Jamal Roberts at the 2025 BET Awards
A Grounded Star with Deep Roots
Born on November 6, 1997, in Meridian, Mississippi, Jamal Roberts was raised in a faith-filled household. He started singing in church at the age of two and eventually became a choir member, usher, and drummer. Before rising to fame, he worked as a physical education teacher and has always emphasized the importance of being a role model for children.
Roberts auditioned three times for American Idol, finally capturing America’s heart on his third try. His performance during the finale earned him over 26 million votes, making him the first Black male winner since 2003.
Despite the fame, Roberts insists he is still the same person. “I still do things for myself. I go out, I pay my bills. That’s what keeps me sane,” he said.
He closed his message with gratitude and love. “I appreciate y’all. Truly. I love the support. I just ask for understanding when I’m out with my babies. That’s all.”
Jamal Addresses Carrie Underwood Feud Rumors After His Win
Amid his rising fame, Roberts also addressed a different kind of attention — the rumored tension between him and American Idol judge Carrie Underwood. During a red carpet interview at BET’s 45th Anniversary dinner, Roberts responded to questions about online speculation that Underwood didn’t fully support him throughout the season.
“Carrie is a country singer and she likes country music,” he said. “I mean, I don’t think she likes every genre for real. She had her picks of who she really liked, and she stuck with it.”
At the BET 45th Anniversary Dinner, ‘American Idol’ winner Jamal Roberts responded to fans calling out judge Carrie Underwood for her lack of support for Roberts across the season.
“I don’t think she likes every genre for real,” he shares. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/Tz1CmWkUSS
— reporting for duty. (@TheGreatIsNate) June 11, 2025
Still, he emphasized that he respects her for staying true to herself. “We applaud her for sticking to her roots and sticking to who she liked. But I feel like the better person won.”
Roberts’ honest take comes after a season filled with fan buzz about possible tension, which began during his audition when Underwood advised him to “loosen up” and find some “swagger.”
Despite the talk, Underwood congratulated Roberts after his win on May 18. She took to Instagram, writing, “Congratulations to the newest winner of @americanidol!!! I’m so proud of @officialjamalroberts and all he has accomplished this season and I can’t wait to see what mountains he climbs next!”
Underwood, who won Idol in 2005, also shared with USA TODAY how watching this year’s finale brought back powerful memories of her own journey. “My heart was pounding when Ryan was looking at the card and doing the pause thing,” she recalled.
