Jamal Roberts Wanted to Keep Teaching After ‘American Idol’ Win But Reveals ‘I Had to Leave’

After winning season 23 of “American Idol,” singer Jamal Roberts thought he’d be able to settle back into his regular life in Meridian, Mississippi. But he told Billboard on July 24, 2025, that he was sorely mistaken.

“My life has changed drastically,” Roberts, 27, told the outlet. “I went home and thought I could do the same thing I was doing before I left and I found that to be a lie.”

The dad of three girls — Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and Gianna, 3 months — had hoped to keep his job as a P.E. teacher at a local elementary school, but told Billboard he’s had to make the tough decision to let the job go.

Jamal Roberts Plans to Continue Volunteering at School

Right after he won “American Idol” in May, Roberts was eager to get back to his hometown — not only to see his family and friends, but to reconnect with all of his students at Meridian’s Crestwood Elementary.

Within days of his big win, the man known as “Coach Jamal” to his students was back at the school on “bus duty,” as seen in a Facebook Live video posted to the school’s feed.

But Roberts quickly realized everything had changed, telling Billboard, “The first day I went back to school after winning ‘Idol’, people were coming up to the school (to see me) and I thought, ‘This won’t work.’ So I had to make that ultimate decision.”

“As an employee, I had to leave,” he continued, “but I still show up and volunteer all the time because this is where my passion is and my heart is, as well as music.”

Roberts told USA Today shortly after his big win, “I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration. So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”

Jamal Roberts Says He’s Focusing His Time on Making New Music for His Fans

When Roberts made the top three on “American Idol” and returned to Meridian for a massive homecoming parade and concert, he also made sure to visit the kids at his school. Several students were invited onto the stage at the front of the lunchroom to thank Roberts and share something they’ve learned from him or how he’s inspired them.

After giving those kids hugs, Roberts told all the students gathered, “I’m glad everybody has learned something from me, and I hope you stick to it, whether it’s motivation, sportsmanship — whatever I taught you, I want you to hold onto it. And I want you to keep it in your hearts and never forget, alright?”

Not returning to teaching has also given Roberts time to deliver the new music and performances that “American Idol” fans have been eager for, he told Billboard.

“America voted for me, so they expect to see something,” he said. “They expect me to put in a little more work and I have the work ethic, and I’m ready.”

Roberts released his first post-‘Idol’ single, “Mississippi,” on July 24. He will also be part of Monica and Brandy’s “The Boy is Mine” national tour that starts in October.