Latest news with #CrestwoodElementarySchool
Indianapolis Star
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
'American Idol' on Mississippi city honor: 'I don't want it' following threats
New "American Idol" winner Jamal Roberts is scooping up honors and preparing to head out on tour with Brandy and Monica, including an Indy stop in October. One honor he's passing on, though, is recognition from a Mississippi town, saying there have been threatening messages from those unhappy with him being honored there. The Meridian, Mississippi, native won Season 23 of "American Idol" in May. Ahead of several concerts scheduled across his home state, the singer declined acceptance of a key to the city from Laurel, Mississippi, revealing there had been negative comments and threats, including people saying they would bring guns to an August concert at which he is performing. He made the revelation after a local concert promoter posted on social media that Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee had given him permission to give the "American Idol" champ a key to the city on Aug. 2 at the Noir & Blanc concert Roberts was headlining. "I did not ask for a key to the city," Roberts said in a Facebook Live. Roberts said some were angry because he doesn't live in the town and they had cited others who they say live in the area and deserve the honor. "Y'all should get it and give it to them, somebody that's deserving, I guess. … You know, been working in the community for years. But I don't want it," he said on Facebook. Roberts politely declined and thanked the mayor, adding: "But, respectfully, keep it." The singer still plans to perform at the upcoming event. The city has a population of about 16,900 and is between Hattiesburg and Meridian. It's known for its history, architecture and Southern charm. Ben and Erin Napier made the town a national name with their show "Home Town." Laurel's overture to Roberts followed the recent presentation of a key to the city to the singer and his children by Atmore, Alabama, at a June show there. Roberts said the town "made us feel like we were at home." "Thank y'all for loving on my babies and accepting me just the way I am," he wrote on Facebook on June 14. Roberts was a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Mississippi before appearing on "American Idol." A dad to three daughters – Harmoni, Lyrik and newborn Gianna – he's the first Black man to win the singing competition since Ruben Studdard took the Season 2 title in 2003. The second winner from Mississippi, Roberts tried out for the show twice before coming back and winning it all. Ultimately, he won a golden ticket this year singing Rick James' "Mary Jane" during the audition rounds. Roberts won Season 23 by earning the most fan votes out of 26 million cast. Host Ryan Seacrest said it was the "biggest finale vote in show history," according to PEOPLE magazine. Roberts has 2025 Mississippi concerts listed on Eventbrite before the Brandy and Monica 'The Boy is Mine' Tour starts in the fall. Shows include: Roberts will be the only guy on Brandy and Monica's highly anticipated 'The Boy is Mine' Tour this fall. Brandy and Monica: "The Boy is Mine" tour coming to Indianapolis The 24-city outing marks the first time the two Grammy winners are co-headlining and is built around their 1998 duet 'The Boy is Mine,' which spent 13 consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Also on the tour are more Grammy winners — Kelly Rowland and Muni Long. The tour kicks off on Oct. 16 at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and concludes Dec. 7 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tickets are available at *Muni Long will not perform. Find Brandy x Monica tickets on Ticketmaster
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What to know about 'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts. MS teacher wins in record finale vote
Jamal Roberts is your new "American Idol" winner. The Mississippi man won Season 23 on Sunday, May 18. He drew the most fan votes out of 26 million cast. According to PEOPLE magazine, host Ryan Seacrest said it was the "biggest finale vote in show history." "From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol," Roberts said in an Instagram post. "This journey has been bigger than me, and I'm so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream. Roberts performed Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart" as his winner's song. Earlier in the night, he sang with Jelly Roll. John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runners-up, and Nix was eliminate about halfway through the finale. Roberts, 27, is a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Mississippi. He's the first Black man to win since Ruben Studdard took the Season 2 title in 2003. He's also the second winner from Mississippi. Here's what to know about Jamal Roberts and his run on "American Idol." The Meridian, Mississippi, native is a girl dad. His daughters are Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna. the youngest is only days old. He shared photos of his oldest girls having fun at Disneyland and a pic of his baby in a ladybug costume during the competition. "Being a dad is literally the best thing that ever happened to me. It calmed me down and gave me a better look at things and actually having girls teaches you how to treat a woman. They're very sensitive, especially with their daddy. So you learn how to treat this one without making this one feel jealous," Roberts said in an interview with Billboard. He told Billboard that he started singing in church as a child. 'I sang a lot in my room. I would sing to myself or create music and it actually sounded good. When I got older I felt better because I thought I had something special.' He released a song that he wrote, "He's Preparing Me," five years ago but hasn't released more at this time. According to Billboard, the first time he was told he needed more vocal training and wasn't old enough. The next time, he only prepped one song and couldn't follow through when asked to sing something else. Ultimately, he won a golden ticket singing "Mary Jane" by Rick James during the audition rounds. "You need some swagger," Carrie Underwood said. "You can't walk around with that big ole voice and not have the rest of you being like, 'Yeah!' … You're so good. Just let your body match your voice." In addition to teaching physical education, Roberts also coaches about 70 kids in Soul Choir. "I wasn't really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration," he told USA TODAY after his win. "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." Roberts was also on BET's "Sunday Best." He made the Season 10 Top 3 on the gospel singing show in 2020. On Wednesday, May 14, Meridian held a parade for Roberts, followed by a mini-concert. The 20,000 fans turned out to support their hometown favorite. Trent Harmon, of Amory, won Season 15, and La'Porsha Renae, of McComb, was the runner-up. The Magnolia State has had several competitors climb the ranks in the show. Colin Stough, of Gattman, placed third in Season 21, and Amory resident Zachariah Smith made the Top 5. Skylar Laine, of Jackson, was also a Top 5 finalist on Season 11. The latest episodes of "American Idol" are available on Hulu. The longtime series has been renewed for Season 24. It will air in 2026. But whether this season's judges will be back has not been announced. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, Haadiza Ogwude, Mary Boyte, Lici Beveridge Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What to know about 'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts, a MS teacher
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts? Here's all you need to know about the 'American Idol' 2025 winner who created history
Jamal Roberts , who is a 27-year old physical education teacher from Mississippi created history as he won the American Idol. He is the first black man to win this prestigious reality show in the last 22 years. Here's all you need to know about him after his inspiring win - from his journey to early life and his family. Jamal's historic win! Jamal won the 'American Idol' title on May 18, 2025. The first black male winner was Ruben Studdard in 2003. Jamal defeated many other talented finalists like John Foster and Breanna Nix. His win felt personal to the audience who connected deeply with him due to his background and humble beginnings. His musical journey Jamal's musical journey began on a religious note which also is a testament to the strong roots of his music. He began singing at a church. His grandparents were influential in his inclination towards music - one of them was a bishop and another a deacon. He started singing in the choir and performed covers of artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson . He said in an interview, "I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents discovered my voice, and I've been singing ever since.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 자신이 전략의 달인이라고 생각하시나요? 레이드 섀도우 레전드 무료 체험 Undo Pursuing music while being a physical education teacher Before gaining nationwide recognition, Jamal spent his days as a physical education instructor at Crestwood Elementary School. Even with the demands of a full-time teaching job, he remained deeply committed to his musical dreams. His pivotal moment arrived during his American Idol audition, where he captivated judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a moving version of Rick James' "Mary Jane." That standout performance marked the beginning of his remarkable run on the show, where he continually impressed with emotionally charged and vocally dynamic renditions. Family life Jamal is a married man and his wife likes to maintain a very private profile. They have three daughters - Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and Gianna Grace ( who was born just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol in April 2025).
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts? Meet the 2025 American Idol winner, know about his family, and inspiring journey
Jamal Roberts In a moment that will be remembered in the annals of American Idol history, Jamal Roberts , a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first black man to win the prestigious reality singing competition in 22 years. His victory in the 23rd season of American Idol, secured with a staggering 26 million votes, marks a significant cultural moment, following in the footsteps of Ruben Studdard, who claimed the title back in 2003. This historic achievement not only highlights Roberts' exceptional vocal talent but also reflects the diverse and evolving landscape of the American music industry. Here's a detailed look at his journey, early life, family, and the inspiring road that led him to this remarkable win. Jamal Roberts' historic win on American Idol 2025 Jamal Roberts made history on May 18, 2025, when he clinched the American Idol title, becoming the first black male winner since Ruben Studdard's victory in 2003. His powerful performances throughout the season resonated with millions of viewers, who were captivated by his soulful voice and emotional depth. The Mississippi native defeated talented finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix to claim the coveted title, a feat made even more remarkable by his ability to connect deeply with the audience despite his humble background. Jamal Roberts' early life and musical beginnings Jamal Roberts was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, where he developed a deep passion for music from an early age. Growing up in a tight-knit family with strong religious roots, Jamal's musical journey began in church. His grandparents played a significant role in nurturing his talent, with one being a bishop and the other a deacon. He started singing in the church choir as a toddler, performing hymns and classic covers by iconic artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson. In a 2025 interview with Billboard, Roberts recalled, 'I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents discovered my voice, and I've been singing ever since.' Jamal Roberts: The teacher who sang his way to fame Before rising to national prominence, Jamal worked as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School. Despite his full-time teaching role, he never let go of his musical aspirations. His breakthrough moment came during his audition for American Idol, where he impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a soulful rendition of Rick James' "Mary Jane." This performance set the tone for his inspiring journey on the show, where he consistently delivered powerful performances that showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. Jamal Roberts' personal life Away from the spotlight, Jamal is a devoted family man. He is married to a woman who maintains a private profile, and together they have three daughters – Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and Gianna Grace, who was born in April 2025, just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol. Despite his growing fame, Jamal remains deeply committed to his family, often sharing heartfelt posts about his children on social media. Impact and future prospects Jamal's victory on American Idol marks a significant cultural moment, inspiring aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. His journey from a small-town teacher to a nationally recognized artist stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and raw talent. As he steps into the next phase of his career, Jamal aims to continue making music that resonates with audiences worldwide, potentially redefining mainstream soul and R&B in the years to come.
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Jamal Roberts First Black Man to Win American Idol? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Season 23 Winner
American Idol Season 23 came to an end on May 18 with Jamal Roberts being crowned the winner. The announcement was made by longtime host Ryan Seacrest during the finale, where Jamal stood alongside finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix. John came in second, while Breanna placed third. Jamal's win is historic, he is the first Black male winner of American Idol in 22 years, following Ruben Studdard's win in 2003. Roberts is a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, and his story of perseverance and community pride touched viewers across the country. Before stepping into the American Idol spotlight, Jamal Roberts taught physical education at Crestwood Elementary School in Mississippi. He also competed on BET's Sunday Best, where he reached the top three. That early experience helped him grow as an artist. 'It helped me build thick skin,' Jamal said. 'It prepared me to handle the pressure of competing on one of America's biggest stages.' Despite his growing fame, Roberts has stayed grounded and continues to represent his hometown proudly. 'This is where I was born and raised,' he said about Meridian. 'It could be a whole lot better than what it is. So, I'm hoping that I can bring a little light to it.' Jamal Roberts is also a father to three daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna Grace. His youngest daughter was born in April 2025, just days before one of his live performances. Although being away from his family was hard, he said their support kept him going. 'Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work and heart, anything is possible,' he shared on Instagram after winning. 'This journey has been bigger than me, and I'm so grateful for every person who believed in me.' While Roberts keeps his relationship private, he frequently shows love for his daughters and hometown. As the winner of American Idol Season 23, Jamal Roberts will receive USD 125,000, according to The Sun. He now has the opportunity to make music on a larger scale. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote, 'From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol.'
