You know Jamal Roberts from his show-stopping American Idol performances, but there’s a whole lot more to this Mississippi singer than you’ve seen on stage. In “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jamal Roberts,” we go beyond the lights and into the heart of a man who’s as grounded as he is gifted.
Before Idol, Jamal was just “Coach Roberts” to his students at Crestwood Elementary, teaching PE in Meridian, Mississippi. But even then, music was never far. He’s been singing since he was 2, belting out Temptations classics thanks to his grandparents. Music wasn’t a dream—it was in his bones.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jamal Roberts
Jamal is a devoted father to two little girls—Harmon and Lyric—whose names alone show how much music means to him. They’ve stood by him on stage, and his community has rallied behind him every step of the way. His mission? To reshape the image of Meridian and prove that greatness can come from small-town roots.
From Rick James’ Mary Jane to Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jamal brings fire every time. But the moment that truly lit up Idol was his cover of Jelly Roll’s Liar—a version so powerful even Jelly Roll himself said it was better than his own.
Jamal Roberts Brings the Emotion with ‘Liar’ by Jelly Roll – American Idol 2025
Fans can’t get enough. They call his stage presence “explosive” and “unforgettable.” Judges have praised his power, passion, and authenticity. Every time he sings, it’s more than a performance—it’s a message.
Jamal shares personal moments on Instagram, interacts with fans on TikTok, and stays grounded in his community on Facebook. He’s not just building a career—he’s building a legacy.