Jamal Roberts Reveals His Big Mistake with Jelly Roll—and How It Led to an Unlikely Collaboration.

When Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23, his life changed overnight.

The 27-year-old R&B singer and devoted father of three from Meridian, Mississippi, had captured the hearts of America with his soulful voice, raw storytelling, and unwavering authenticity.

But even after achieving one of his biggest dreams, Jamal found himself facing an unexpected challenge—one that almost cost him a chance to work with one of his musical heroes, Jelly Roll.

A Missed Call That Almost Changed Everything

Shortly after his American Idol victory, Jamal Roberts made it clear in interviews that one of his new dreams was to collaborate with Jelly Roll, the show’s beloved “artist in residence.”

Jelly Roll, known for his genre-defying blend of country, hip-hop, and rock, had become an unexpected mentor and champion for Jamal during the competition.

Their connection was genuine, forged through shared struggles, mutual respect, and a love for music that speaks to the soul.

But as fate would have it, Jamal nearly missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime—all because of a simple mistake. In a candid interview with Gold Derby on May 27, 2025, Jamal recounted the story with a sheepish grin.

“He FaceTimed me,” Jamal recalled. “I didn’t know who the number was, so I didn’t answer. Then he texted me, ‘So you Hollywood now, you can’t answer the phone?’ I was like, ‘Man, I didn’t know who the number was!’”

What could have been an awkward misstep turned into a moment of laughter between the two artists. “But yeah, we locked in. That’s my boy right there—he’s got my back,” Jamal said, expressing relief that Jelly Roll took the mix-up in stride.

From Idol Mentor to Collaborator

Luckily for Jamal, Jelly Roll was more amused than offended by the missed call. The two quickly connected and began making plans to work together.

“We’re already working on that now,” Jamal told Gold Derby. “We’re working on some stuff as we speak. We’re going to have something coming soon.”

This collaboration is more than just a business arrangement—it’s the continuation of a bond that began during Jamal’s Idol journey.

Jelly Roll first noticed Jamal during the Hawaii round, when the young singer delivered a heartfelt cover of Jelly Roll’s hit song “Liar.” The performance struck a deep chord with Jelly Roll, who was serving as a mentor alongside R&B icon Ashanti.

After watching Jamal rehearse and hearing him talk about overcoming adversity and finding hope in his hometown, Jelly Roll was visibly moved. Wiping away tears, he hugged Jamal and told him, “Man, that wasn’t a performance—you were testifying.

I feel the pain in your voice, you know? You can’t teach that. I am your champion in this thing, man. I think you’ve got it. I think you represent a group of misrepresented people, man. You got it, Jamal.”

A Star Is Born on the Idol Stage

Jamal’s rendition of “Liar” on the American Idol stage became a defining moment for both artists. The audience, judges, and Jelly Roll himself were blown away by the depth of emotion and authenticity Jamal brought to the song.

In a powerful moment of humility, Jelly Roll stood up from the audience and declared, “I would feel disrespectful to call this my song at this moment.

This is now Jamal’s song. I was singing Jamal’s song tonight, man. I am blown away—everything about him: his story, his testimony, his love for his children, his community, his city. But most importantly, I love his voice.”

As Jamal advanced to the Top 3, he had the opportunity to perform “Liar” and another Jelly Roll song, “Unpretty,” alongside the superstar himself.

After their duet, Jelly Roll bowed down to Jamal on stage—a powerful gesture of respect and admiration that underscored the deep connection between the two artists.

A Promising Future and a Perfect Partnership

Now, as the newly crowned American Idol winner, Jamal Roberts stands on the brink of an exciting new chapter.

He has the option to sign with 19 Recordings, the show’s record label partner, which is part of BMG—the same label that represents Jelly Roll.

This shared label home makes a collaboration not only possible, but likely to happen sooner rather than later.

For Jamal, this is more than just a career milestone. It’s the realization of a dream he once thought was out of reach.

Growing up in Meridian, Mississippi, Jamal often felt like an outsider, struggling to find hope in a place where opportunities were scarce.

His journey on American Idol was about more than just winning a title; it was about giving a voice to those who feel unseen and unheard.

Jelly Roll, who has built his own career on breaking boundaries and defying expectations, recognized a kindred spirit in Jamal.

Their collaboration promises to blend the best of both worlds: Jamal’s smooth R&B stylings and heartfelt lyrics with Jelly Roll’s gritty, genre-bending sound.

Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, eager to hear what these two powerhouse artists will create together.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Reflecting on his near-miss with Jelly Roll’s call, Jamal laughs now, but he also takes the experience as a lesson in humility and gratitude. “You never know who’s trying to reach out to you,” he said. “I’m just glad he gave me another chance.”

Their story is a reminder that even in the midst of success, it’s the human connections—the shared laughs, the honest mistakes, the moments of vulnerability—that matter most.

For Jamal Roberts, winning American Idol was just the beginning. With Jelly Roll by his side, he’s poised to take his music, and his message, to new heights.

As Jamal and Jelly Roll work behind the scenes on their upcoming collaboration, fans can expect something truly special—music that speaks from the heart, forged by artists who know what it means to struggle, to overcome, and to inspire.

Stay tuned, because this is one partnership you won’t want to miss.