Season 23 Winner Jamal Roberts Shares His Dream Collaborations After Topping Charts With Breakout Single “Heal”

Just days after winning American Idol Season 23 on May 18, 2025, Mississippi-born R&B vocalist Jamal Roberts is already making plans for his debut album—and he’s aiming high.

In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Roberts revealed the two artists he most hopes to collaborate with: Jelly Roll and Fantasia.

“Oh, Jelly Roll and Fantasia on the first album — no doubt,” Roberts said with a confident smile.

Both artists mentored Jamal during his Idol journey, forging bonds that deeply impacted his performances and musical growth.

Given their strong public support—and the fact that Jelly Roll and Roberts are signed to the same label—these dream collaborations could become a reality sooner than fans expect.

Fantasia’s First-Ever Idol Vote Went to Jamal Roberts

Roberts, who referred to Fantasia as one of his biggest idols, met the Grammy-winning singer during the final weeks of the competition.

Fantasia mentored him on his emotional cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal”, which later became Jamal’s debut single and quickly climbed to the top of the iTunes charts.

Visibly impressed by his vocal depth and the “pain” in his tone, Fantasia praised Roberts’ delivery and authenticity.

By finale night, she was publicly rooting for him from home, sharing real-time videos and urging her fans to vote—something she admitted she had never done for a contestant before.

“I haven’t watched ‘American Idol’ in years but this young man reminds me so much of me,” she told her Instagram followers. “He’s always had to fight for it. Loves God. Loves his children.”

Fantasia’s vocal support didn’t go unnoticed. After Roberts was declared the winner, she proudly shared a video of herself watching the moment, beaming and shaking her head in amazement.

Jelly Roll: “I Was Singing Jamal’s Song Tonight”

Another powerful connection came during Idol’s Hawaii round, where Jelly Roll mentored Roberts and watched him perform the country hit “Liar”.

Moved by Jamal’s voice and life story, Jelly Roll openly wept during rehearsal, calling Roberts’ performance “a testimony.”

“That wasn’t a performance, you were testifying,” Jelly Roll said. “You represent a group of misrepresented people. Man, you got it, Jamal.”

During the finale, Roberts and Jelly Roll teamed up for two duets: “Unpretty” and “Liar”. Afterward, Jelly Roll bowed down in respect, telling the audience he no longer saw “Liar” as his own—it now belonged to Jamal.

“Everything about him—his story, his love for his children, his community—but most importantly, I love his voice!”

What’s Next for Jamal Roberts?

As the American Idol winner, Roberts has the opportunity to sign a development deal with 19 Recordings, which partners with BBR Music Group—also home to Jelly Roll.

With both artists under the same label umbrella, a Jelly Roll–Jamal Roberts collaboration seems all but inevitable.

Meanwhile, Roberts is focused on promoting his breakout single “Heal” and preparing to record his first studio album.

If early fan excitement and support from music industry veterans like Jelly Roll and Fantasia are any indication, Jamal Roberts is just getting started.