Jamal Roberts won Season 23 of “American Idol” in 2025. What has he been doing since then? (Photo Credit: Luke Bryan / Facebook)

American Idol Champion Jamal Roberts Shares Update On His Life And Career

Jamal Roberts, the winner of American Idol‘s 23rd season, recently shared a long-awaited update on where he is today.

Roberts has continued to soar since winning Idol in May 2025. He’s opened for Brandy and Monica on tour, earned his first Grammy nomination, and landed his first #1 hit.

Additionally, Roberts performed the National Anthem at the College Football National Championship game. Roberts said he was “beyond grateful” for the opportunity.

With Season 24 of American Idol scheduled to start on January 26, TV Insider caught up with Roberts for an update on his life and career.

“It has definitely been a mind-blowing experience, a life-changing experience,” Roberts said about his life after winning Idol.

He continued, “My life has changed drastically since the show. It has been amazing. Things are unfolding before my eyes. I’ve been part of some major things, door-opening things, things I’ll never forget post-Idol because I’ll never forget Idol. It’s just something you’ll never forget.”

Roberts also reflected on his first Grammy nomination, saying it had always been his dream to win one. “But to now actually be nominated and see it play out, it’s unbelievable. The change within eight months from when we recorded Idol and did all the things, it’s.”

Jamal Roberts Reveals How Often He Talks To His Fellow Idol Contestants

Idol fans loved the dynamic between the contestants last season, particularly between the three finalists: Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster.
The top three finalists from the 23rd season of “American Idol,” John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts. (Photo Credit: Christopher Willard / Disney via Getty Images)

When TV Insider asked Roberts if he keeps in touch with his fellow contestants, specifically Foster, he said, “I haven’t talked to John much, but I’ve seen him at the Grand Ole Opry and social media. I’ve seen him here and there.”

Roberts added:

“I support all my American Idol family. Some of us stayed closer than others. Some of us call each other every day. Some of us don’t because we all have our own lives, but we wish each of them well. We’ll always be an Idol family. Some of us have taken different paths. I mean I support whatever everyone is doing and how everyone is doing to prosper in life…“

Roberts said he still talks to Kolbi Jordan, Gabby Samone, and Victor Solomon on a fairly regular basis. “We just have this group chat where we check on each other mentally and see how everyone is doing,” he said.

As he reflects on his experience on Idol, Roberts has some advice for this season’s contestants. He said:

“…I tell them to fight for what you want. As long as you know you gave it all you got, you’ll feel so much better. Never go in there and give less than what you can give. Always give what you can give.“

Revisit one of Jamal Roberts’ American Idol performances below. We wonder who will follow in his footsteps this season?