Jamal Roberts, the breakout star of American Idol Season 23, has just hit a major milestone in his music career—scoring his first Top 10 Billboard hit single and becoming the number one Gospel song in the nation. This incredible achievement comes just over one week after Roberts was crowned American Idol winner, and it marks the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting journey in the music industry.

Roberts’ soulful rendition of Tom Odell’s 2013 song “Heal” was released by 19 Recordings, the show’s record label partner, just before the season finale. The release quickly made waves in the music world, debuting at number one on the Hot Gospel chart and securing the number two spot on the Digital Sales chart across all genres, as reported by Billboard on May 28, 2025.

“Heal” Becomes a Game-Changer

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Roberts’ version of “Heal” resonated deeply with audiences, not just for its powerful vocals but for the raw emotion he poured into it. The song, which Roberts had never heard before, became a defining moment of his American Idol journey. “I felt the words speak to me,” Roberts told guest mentor Fantasia during his time on the show, explaining why the song felt so personal to him. After delivering an unforgettable performance of the song during the finale, Roberts was able to record it as a single, adding his own lyrics to incorporate his faith, and performed it again when he was crowned the winner.

In the week ending May 22, Roberts’ single “Heal” sold 9,000 downloads, earning it the top spot on the Gospel Digital Song Sales chart. But the song’s success didn’t stop there. It also soared to number two on the all-genre Digital Songs chart, making it an official Top 10 song in the U.S. The song’s impressive 918,000 streams in its first few days of release further solidified its place in music history.

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Roberts isn’t the only American Idol finalist making waves on the charts. Breanna Nix, who finished in third place, saw her debut single “Higher” land at number four on the Digital Song Sales chart, selling 5,000 downloads. Runner-up John Foster also found success, with 4,000 sales of his single “Tell That Angel I Love Her”, placing him at number six.

These impressive chart results highlight the lasting impact American Idol continues to have on the music industry, and the immense talent that Roberts, Nix, and Foster brought to the stage this season.

A Permanent Tribute: Jamal Roberts’ “HEAL” Tattoo

To commemorate the success of “Heal”, Roberts marked the moment with a permanent tribute. In a Facebook Live session on May 27, Roberts revealed that he had gotten the word “HEAL” tattooed on his chest. This tattoo serves as a reminder of the personal significance the song holds for him and his journey.

“It’s still hurting,” Roberts joked about the fresh ink, explaining that his tattoo artist enlarged the word “HOPE,” which was already on his chest, to incorporate the “E” into the word “HEAL”—creating a vertical piece that mirrors the font of his previous tattoo. The design is deeply personal, symbolizing his own journey of healing, both as an artist and as an individual.

The tattoo serves as a powerful symbol of the impact the song has had on his life. Roberts also shared a photo of his new ink on Instagram while in Atlanta with his manager and attorney, showcasing his signature style in a suit with no shirt, adding to the excitement around his newfound success.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his debut single climbing the charts and a new tattoo to commemorate his success, Jamal Roberts is poised for a bright future in the music industry. His journey from American Idol contestant to chart-topping artist has been nothing short of remarkable, and fans are eager to see where his career takes him next.

As he continues to embrace his newfound fame and influence, Roberts remains grounded, drawing inspiration from the support of his family, fans, and his own personal journey. The 27-year-old has proven that authenticity and talent can pave the way for success, and with his heart in the right place, there’s no limit to what he can achieve.

With “Heal” topping the charts and his first music video set to release this July, Jamal Roberts’ star is on the rise—and his journey is just getting started.