Who is Jamal Roberts? 7 facts about the historic 'American Idol' Season 23 winner

During the live finale, the remaining three contestants − John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Brianna Nix − took the stage for their final performances of the season. Then, host Ryan Seacrest revealed which contestants made the top two, surprising fans nationwide.

Nix received the fewest viewer votes, taking the third spot, leaving Foster and Roberts to battle it out for the first-place title. The two finalists sang duets with judge Luke Bryan and country singer Jelly Roll, as well as original songs released and recorded through "Idol" for the last chance to win over viewers.

Foster performed his original single “Tell That Angel That I Love Her." For Roberts' original single, he sang his version of “Heal” by Tom Odell, which ultimately won him the coveted $250,000 prize and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings.

Where is Jamal Roberts from?

Roberts, the "American Idol" season 23 winner, is a 27-year-old PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi.

Jamal Roberts made 'American Idol' history

According to USA TODAY, Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Carrie Underwood's predecessor, Season 2's Ruben Studdard, in 2003. People Magazine added that Seacrest said Roberts won after the "biggest finale vote in show history."

Jamal Roberts from 'American Idol' started singing in church

Roberts told Billboard in April that he began singing at age 2 and grew up singing hymns and other musical covers in the church as a child. He also played the drums, he added.

"My grandparents found out I could sing, and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson," Roberts explained. "I had a granddaddy on my dad’s side who was a bishop, and a grandad on my mom’s side was a deacon, so I was in church every time the door opened."

'American Idol' Host Ryan Seacrest (left) holds contestant Jamal Roberts' (right) daughters Lyrik and Harmoni on stage after Roberts, a Meridian native, sang "Shout" on Sunday, April 27.

Roberts also added that he "wasn't a fan of choir" and didn't perform in any musicals, but the singer won every talent show he was in.

Jamal Roberts auditioned for 'American Idol' twice

According to Billboard, Roberts auditioned for "American Idol" twice before making it onto the show. The first time, he was told he "needed more vocal training and was too young." During his second audition, Roberts was asked to sing a second song but had only prepared one.

"I didn’t get defeated," Roberts told the news site. "I never gave up. I took the 'no.' I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain, and try again. This has always been me."

Does Jamal Roberts from 'American Idol' have kids?

"American Idol" Seaosn 23 winner Jamal Roberts is a father of three daughters Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and Gianna, who was born just two weeks before the finale, per the Clarion Ledger.

Roberts is a father of three daughters, Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and Gianna, who was born just two weeks before the finale, per the Clarion Ledger, a daily newspaper in Jackson, Mississippi. Harmoni and Lyrik have reportedly joined the audience for several of Roberts' performances, and once again cheered for their dad Sunday night.

Is Jamal Roberts married?

Per Men's Journal, Roberts' relationship status is unclear. The singer has not revealed whether or not he has a girlfriend, and also has not publicly shared the name of his children's mother.

However, Roberts did tell Billboard that he went against tradition by having kids before getting married, but stated that being a dad is "the best thing that ever happened" to him.

Jamal Roberts was a contestant on BET's 'Sunday's Best'

TV Insider reported that before winning season 23 of "American Idol," Jamal was a contestant on BET’s "Sunday Best," a gospel-themed singing competition, in 2020. He finished in the top three.