Fresh off his American Idol 2025 victory, the 21-year-old powerhouse from Atlanta is experiencing a breakout year unlike any in recent memory. With a voice drenched in gospel soul and unfiltered truth, Jamal isn’t just topping charts — he’s turning heads across the entire music industry.
From Idol Stage to Billboard No. 1
His debut single, “First Time”, a brooding confessional layered with R&B grit and gospel undertones, shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 just one week after release. Critics have called it “the rawest Idol debut since Kelly Clarkson’s ‘A Moment Like This.’” Fans, meanwhile, connected instantly with its message of vulnerability and survival, cementing Jamal’s place as a once-in-a-generation voice.
And the accolades didn’t stop there.
In a recent Access Music Weekly interview, Jamal revealed a surprise phone call that changed everything. “Jelly Roll called me personally,” he said, grinning. “He said, ‘Man, your voice hit me in the gut. I see myself in you. Let’s work together. I want to sign you.’”
Jelly Roll + Jamal: A Redemption Dream Team
The two artists — both known for blending genres and delivering raw emotional storytelling — are now forging a powerful creative partnership. Sources confirm Jamal is inking a deal with Jelly Roll’s emerging label imprint, known for its fusion of country, rock, hip-hop, and soul with messages of healing and redemption.
Even better? The collaboration has already begun.
Jamal confirmed he’s working with Jelly Roll’s production team on remixes of “Liar” and “Unpretty,” their show-stopping duet tracks from the Idol finale.
“We’re flipping ‘Unpretty’ into a stripped-down acoustic ballad with a trap-soul beat underneath,” Jamal explained. “It’s about reclaiming identity and finding self-worth — something I’ve struggled with my whole life.”
The Internet Can’t Get Enough
Social media exploded at the news. One fan tweeted:
“Jamal Roberts x Jelly Roll? That’s the redemption collab I didn’t know I needed.”
Another created a viral TikTok mashup of “Liar” with Jelly Roll’s “Save Me”, which racked up over 500,000 views in under 24 hours.
Industry insiders say Jamal was courted by multiple major labels, but Jelly Roll’s offer stood out for its “authenticity, vision, and mentorship promise.” The pairing feels less like a business deal and more like a passing of the torch — from one soul-bearing survivor to another.
What’s Next?
There’s no official release date for the remixes yet, but Jamal hinted they could drop “before the Fourth of July.” As for a debut album? It’s coming sooner than expected.
“I’m in the studio every day,” Jamal shared. “We’re building something real. It’s coming.”
From an Idol victory to a Billboard No. 1 and a genre-bending partnership with one of music’s most compelling voices, Jamal Roberts isn’t just the voice of the year — he’s becoming the voice of a generation.
