{"id":171241,"date":"2025-05-29T14:50:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T14:50:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/29\/american-idol-jamal-roberts-how-he-celebrated-his-victory\/"},"modified":"2025-05-29T14:50:41","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T14:50:41","slug":"american-idol-jamal-roberts-how-he-celebrated-his-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/29\/american-idol-jamal-roberts-how-he-celebrated-his-victory\/","title":{"rendered":"American Idol Jamal Roberts: How He Celebrated His Victory"},"content":{"rendered":"


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American Idol<\/em><\/a> was a whirlwind experience for season 23 winner<\/a> Jamal Roberts.<\/strong> So when it was all over, the Mississippi native basked in his victory with a favorite treat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I got me some hot fish, a hot fish sandwich,\u201d Roberts, 27, told Us Weekly<\/em> exclusively on Tuesday, May 27. \u201cAnd I went to get my kids and take them to the house so we could spend time with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roberts defeated runners-up John Foster<\/strong> and Breanna Nix<\/strong><\/a> on the May 18 Idol<\/em> finale, earning not just $250,000 in prize money but a trip for four on the Disney Wish cruise line. He still hasn\u2019t received his winnings but, for now, the father of three is happy to be home.<\/p>\n

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\n Jamal Roberts<\/span> Disney\/Christopher Willard<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI was ready to get to my house and get into bed and get my kids,\u201d he admitted, referring to his daughters, Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna. \u201cI was just ready to go be a dad at this point.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>How ‘American Idol’ Prizes Have Changed Through the Years<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tWinning American Idol has been a dream come true for many singers, but the prizes have changed a lot over the years. Kelly Clarkson was crowned the singing competition\u2019s inaugural winner in 2002. She reportedly walked away with a $1 million prize and a record deal with RCA Records, per Parade. In addition to the [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Like every Idol<\/em> winner, Roberts had a busy post-show schedule. He stopped by New York to do Good Morning America<\/em> and is heading back on the road next month for CMA Fest in Nashville.<\/p>\n

Although his youngest daughter is just 3 weeks old, he said it\u2019s actually not hard to balance fame and fatherhood.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite easy,\u201d he said. \u201cYou just don\u2019t put yourself first no more, Especially when you\u2019re a father, a parent. It\u2019s not about you anymore. It\u2019s all about making the right decisions, especially since I\u2019m doing this for my kids so that they\u2019ll have a bright future.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>‘American Idol’ Winners: Where Are Fantasia Barrino and More Now?<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tAmerican Idol paved the way for reality competition shows to help everyday people achieve their dreams of music stardom. The series premiered in 2002 on Fox with a star-studded judging panel consisting of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. American Idol\u2018s freshman season introduced Kelly Clarkson, who would become the show\u2019s first breakout star. [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

While Roberts may feel he has it \u201ceasy\u201d now, the road to get there was anything but simple. He auditioned twice for American Idol<\/em> before making it to the top of season 23.<\/p>\n

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