Jamal Roberts Shares Emotional Journey: Painful Past with His Mom and The Struggle to Understand Her Absence

In a deeply emotional interview following his American Idol 2025 victory, Jamal Roberts opened up about his painful and complex relationship with his mother. The 23-year-old soul singer, who has captured the hearts of millions with his raw talent and heartfelt performances, revealed a personal story that has haunted him for over two decades.

His honesty about his upbringing and the deep pain of being abandoned by his mother struck a chord with his fans, prompting an outpouring of support and sparking a national conversation on family, forgiveness, and fame.

A Shocking Revelation: The Silence That Shaped Jamal’s Childhood

During his appearance on The Love You Moore Show with host Willie Moore Jr., Jamal vulnerably shared details about his early life, recounting the emotional pain of being raised without his biological mother. “She gave me up when I was just a kid,” Jamal quietly confessed. “No letters. No birthdays. Just silence.”

Jamal’s story began when he and his older brother were taken from their mother at a very young age. His father received full custody of the two boys, and they were raised primarily by their stepmother and grandmother. While Jamal’s father provided for him and his brother, the absence of their mother left a permanent scar on his heart.

“What was going through my mind is, ‘Why my mom not here?’ You know? How? ‘Cause I got kids and I’m not going to let my kids go nowhere, you know what I’m saying?” Jamal shared, struggling to understand his mother’s decision to let them slip through the cracks.

The pain of not having his mother present during his childhood is something Jamal still grapples with. “I didn’t see you, you know? Stuff like that, it bothers me a little bit because I know that if I was fighting for my kids, we still going to be fighting. Ain’t no giving up, I’m just saying,” he explained, his voice thick with emotion.

The Abandonment and Growing Resentment

As Jamal grew older, the wounds left by his mother’s abandonment only deepened. Not only did she leave him and his brother, but Jamal later learned that she had other children with her new partner.

“We still here, over here with my dad,” Jamal reflected. “I’m like, how does that work? Like, what’s going through your head? Like, was we not good enough? I’m like, ‘What did we do so bad to make you abandon us and then go have more kids?’ It still ain’t clicked yet.”

Jamal’s sense of abandonment lingered as he navigated through life, eventually becoming an artist and raising a family of his own. Despite his success, he couldn’t help but feel the lingering pain of being left behind. This unresolved conflict manifested itself in his music, giving his performances an emotional depth that resonated with his fans.

A Tribute to His Stepmother and the Love That Sustained Him

While the absence of his biological mother was a painful chapter, Jamal found solace in the love and support of his stepmother, Tabitha, who played an instrumental role in his life. During his American Idol run, Jamal paid tribute to his stepmother, who had passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day episode.

“My stepmom always told me, ‘No, baby, you can do it. You can do it. Just do this, do this, and you can do anything you put your mind to,’” Jamal recalled. “She was always there.”

Tabitha’s unconditional love and encouragement provided Jamal with the support he needed to thrive, particularly when his own father, who Jamal described as “not emotional,” rarely provided the affirmations he needed. “I used to have self-confidence problems,” Jamal admitted, but his stepmother’s support helped him overcome these obstacles. She reminded him that he had the power to accomplish whatever he set his mind to.

Jamal’s deep appreciation for his stepmother was evident during his time on American Idol. His relationship with her became a pivotal source of strength, shaping his journey not just as a musician, but as a person. “She was the one who made me feel like I could do anything,” Jamal said, adding that without her support, his journey to success would have been much harder.

The Return of His Biological Mother and The Strain of Reconciliation

Jamal’s mother, Kim, eventually returned to his life after many years of absence. She was present at his American Idol audition and was frequently seen in the studio audience, cheering and crying for her son as he made his way to the top. While Jamal’s story of reconciliation with his mother is still unfolding, it hasn’t been without its challenges.

During the interview, Jamal revealed that although his mother is now involved in his life and the lives of his children, they have never discussed why she gave up custody of him and his brother all those years ago. “I never long for (knowing) what happened, and I feel like if she wanted me to know, she would have been told me,” Jamal explained, showing that he had come to terms with not knowing the full story. “I feel like if it was really that deep, she would have told me, you know?”

Despite her return, Jamal confessed that he was okay with not seeking out the reasons behind his mother’s decisions. “My life now is my life,” he said with a sense of finality. “All those mistakes have paved the road and made me who I am today. So I don’t want to put no more pavement on the road you… I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine.”

Jamal’s ability to accept his mother’s absence and focus on his own life and career speaks to his maturity and emotional growth. While the wounds of the past may never fully heal, he has made peace with his journey and is focused on his present and future.

A Love-Hate Relationship with Fame and Family

Jamal Roberts’ rise to fame has brought both joy and difficulty. His heartfelt music has connected with fans worldwide, but the complexities of his personal life have also added layers of emotional depth to his art. His story highlights the intersection of fame, family, and healing, showing how even the most painful experiences can fuel creativity and drive.

The love and support from his fans, however, have helped him stay grounded in the face of these challenges. “I’ve always been real with my fans,” Jamal said during his interview. “They know my story, they know where I come from.” He has found solace in knowing that his music is a way for people to connect with him on a deeper level, especially when it comes to difficult, universal themes like abandonment and loss.

The return of his mother and his ongoing relationship with her will likely continue to be a source of reflection and healing for Jamal. Still, he remains focused on his music and his family, which now includes his three daughters—Harmoni, 7, and Lyrik, 4, along with his youngest child.

Despite the complexities of his past, Jamal has made it clear that his future lies in the love he shares with his children and the music that has been his constant companion throughout his life.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Jamal Roberts?

As Jamal continues to grow both as an artist and as a father, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of self-reflection. His rise to fame, powered by American Idol, has not been easy, but he has used the pain of his past to fuel his music and to connect with his audience on a deeper level.

As he navigates the complex dynamics of family and fame, Jamal remains focused on using his platform to share his truth and inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

While his journey with his biological mother remains an open chapter, Jamal has learned to move forward without the need for closure. His music and his role as a father have become his new priorities, and he continues to embrace the love and support from his fans and family as he moves ahead.

The emotional depth of Jamal’s story is reflected in every note he sings, every lyric he writes, and every moment he shares with his fans. His vulnerability and strength have made him a standout artist, and his willingness to open up about his personal life makes his music even more powerful.

Jamal Roberts may have started his journey as an underdog, but his story is now one of triumph, resilience, and healing. As he continues to navigate his path, one thing is clear: the world will continue to watch and listen, inspired by the strength and authenticity that Jamal brings to both his music and his life.