Jamal Roberts recently delivered a heartfelt live performance of “Her Heart,” a song that has become synonymous with his journey on American Idol Season 23. His rendition of Anthony Hamilton’s ballad not only showcased his vocal prowess but also his deep emotional connection to the music. This performance was a testament to his growth as an artist and his ability to convey profound emotion through song.
Jamal’s victory on American Idol was not just a personal achievement but also an inspiration to many. His journey from a local teacher to a national singing sensation demonstrated that with passion and determination, dreams can become reality. He has expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself.
Looking ahead, Jamal plans to continue his musical career while remaining connected to his roots. He aims to use his platform to inspire others, particularly young people in his community, to pursue their passions. His story serves as a reminder that authenticity and resilience are key to achieving success.
@tempresstempress #jamalroberts #AmericanIdol #HerHeart #livemusic @officialjamalroberts @AmericanIdol ♬ original sound – Tempress Tempress
In the days since Jamal Roberts won season 23 of “American Idol” on May 18, 2025, there’s been an incredible amount of buzz about the gifted soul singer online and in the media. While the vast majority has been positive, Roberts told his fans in a half-hour Facebook Live session on May 22 that he’s aware there’s been some negative, too — including rumors about his manager and him.
Responding to fans’ comments while tending to his newborn daughter back home in Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts defended his manager, insisted he doesn’t care about the “negative Nancies,” and said his fans shouldn’t either.
Jamal Roberts Says His Manager Convinced Him to Keep Auditioning for ‘American Idol’
Roberts spent most of his May 22 Facebook Live lightheartedly reacting to fans’ questions and compliments about his “American Idol” win, his new single “Heal,” and his roles as a dad and P.E. teacher. He also left the room a couple of times to grab a bottle for his baby girl Gianna, born in early May, and to change her diaper.
But near the end of his half-hour chat, he said there was one thing he wanted to address: rumors that he was being taken advantage of by his longtime manager Carlton Cofield. Regularly seen cheering with Roberts’ family on live episodes of “American Idol,” Cofield owns Atlanta-based Soultowne Marketing, which specializes in representing gospel, R&B, and hip-hop artists.
Cofield, Roberts told fans, was the person who convinced him to appear in 2020 on BET’s “Sunday Best” singing competition, where he took third place, and that he also got him to try out for “American Idol.” Roberts told Billboard he auditioned three times for the show before getting a ticket to Hollywood, but would have been content to just keep booking local singing gigs if it weren’t for his manager pushing him.
“After ‘Sunday Best,’ I was through with TV,” Roberts explained in his Facebook Live session. “But he pushed me to go on ‘American Idol.’ Y’all, I was not going on ‘American Idol’ at all if it wasn’t for Carlton putting me on ‘American Idol,’ telling me to audition. Your boy be right at the house, just gigging. Because, like, I didn’t want to go through that again.”
“I didn’t want to be another statistic,” Roberts continued. “You know, it’s elimination, everybody knows somebody’s gotta win. That stuff is heartbreaking, you know, when you put your all into something.”
Roberts was quick to defend his manager when he saw “a fake page” online claiming that Cofield was “crooked” and taking money from him, telling his Facebook followers, “That’s not true at all. He’s very much the reason why I’m where I am today. I don’t want you guys to get it twisted.”
“Let me tell you something about my manager,” Roberts continued. “He don’t take a dime from me. Everything he booked, every amount that’s paid, he gives straight to me and my kids. He says, ‘I’m here to help you, I’m not here to break you.’”
Roberts said that after working together for seven years, Cofield still doesn’t take a fee, explaining, “He’s authentic, he’s real, he’s not just my manager, he’s my family, you know? So, watch what you say about him — if you against him, you against me because, like, we’re one.”
Rumors About ‘Old Flings’ & Other Things Don’t Bother Jamal Roberts, Who Says He’s Seen ‘Insane’ Posts Since His Big Win
Meanwhile, Roberts told fans on his Facebook Live session that beyond the false rumors about his manager, he’s taking all other rumors and imposters in stride.
“You know, I knew that winning ‘American Idol’ was amazing,” Roberts said, “but I knew there was going to come with it problems and posts — old flings and old stuff. People will go start posting stuff just to get clout and get stars and all that. I don’t care. That’s not my journey, okay? That’s in the past.”
Roberts continued, “Let me tell y’all something about people. They take the first thing they see … and they believe it without knowing none of the facts. That’s one thing I just don’t understand about people in general.”
Wishing that people would put the same “energy” into sharing their faith that they put into sharing false rumors, Roberts said he’s going to begin blocking or unfollowing people who choose to post gossip and falsehoods or even get into arguments on his pages with those who do.
“We positive vibes over here, no negative Nancies over here, got it?” Roberts said. “I’m just gonna start unfollowing, you know? Just get them out. Just get them on out the way. Let somebody that got some sense come in. Because if God gave us sense, you need to start using (it), because when you don’t, you start looking ignorant.”
“Let’s start being mindful of the things we say and the stuff we post that may hinder or hurt somebody else,” Roberts concluded. “Just be mindful of that. Y’all, the stuff I’ve seen on Facebook within the couple days of winning ‘American Idol’ has been insane.”
