American Idol contestant Jamal Roberts is still in disbelief over his season 23 win.
“I say to myself every day, like, ‘Did I just win American Idol?’” Roberts, 27, told Us Weekly exclusively one week after coming out of the competition on top. “It’s always [been] a dream and now it’s a reality.”
Roberts was up against Breanna Nix and John Foster in the season 23 finale, which aired on Sunday, May 18. He took home the win after multiple performances, including a duet with Jelly Roll.
After his big win, Roberts flew from Los Angeles to New York City for a Good Morning America appearance but went right back to dad life in Meridian, Mississippi. (Roberts is the father of three young daughters, Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna.)
“I was ready to get to my house and get into bed and get my kids,” he admitted to Us. “I was just ready to go be a dad at this point.”
Keep scrolling for the biggest takeaways from Us Weekly’s interview with American Idol winner Roberts:
How His Kids ReactedRoberts told Us that his daughters are aware that their father won — even if they can’t fully understand it.
“All they say is, ‘Daddy win?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, daddy won, baby.’ They don’t really get the concept of what was going on,” he admitted. “They just knew I was gone a long time, and that I won.”
Roberts recalled performing “Liar” and “Unpretty” with the “authentic and real” Jelly Roll during the American Idol finale.
“He always encouraged us to be our authentic self and just make good music,” Roberts said. “Make music that’ll make people feel good.”
Fellow American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino also offered Roberts some advice.
The singer told Us that the season 3 champ reminded him to “stay true to myself” among this crazy ride. Roberts also admitted he’d want to duet with Fantasia if the opportunity presented itself.
Roberts is ready to launch his music career in the soul and gospel space — but will explore other avenues as well.
“I still feel like I can do any genre. I just don’t want to put myself in a box right now, if that makes sense,” Roberts explained. “I wanna do it all.”
Cashing That Prize MoneyThe singer has yet to receive his American Idol prize money, but has some big plans once the check clears.
“Don’t know where it is. I’m interested in knowing,” he joked about the $250,000 cash prize. Roberts said there are no “big splurges” in his future. “I’m gonna put it in the bank,” he said.
