JAMAL ROBERTS DEFIES THE HATE with newborn in arms—addresses post-Idol BACKLASH live on Facebook in one of the most UNFILTERED moments ever seen from a winner

Just days after being crowned American Idol Season 23 champion, 18-year-old Jamal Roberts stunned fans again—this time not with a song, but with fearless honesty. Holding his newborn child, Jamal went live on Facebook to confront swirling rumors and critics head-on. With no script, no makeup, and no hesitation, he opened up about the pressure, the judgment, and the man who stood by him through it all. Why are some rooting against this rising star?

See the raw, emotional video for yourself in the comments—it’s a moment you won’t forget.

Fresh off his American Idol Season 23 victory, Jamal Roberts sat down for a heartfelt Facebook Live session on May 22, 2025 where he opened up about the challenges of fame and the rumors that followed his rise to stardom. The 18-year-old soul singer from Meridian, Mississippi, used the platform not only to address his fans but to defend his manager and clear up the misconceptions that had been circulating about him. With his newborn daughter in his arms and his usual sense of humor intact, Roberts took the opportunity to set the record straight in a way that only he could; candidly, humorously, and with authenticity.

While the majority of Roberts’ American Idol journey has been marked by positivity and admiration, the young artist faced some backlash after his win. In his Facebook Live, Roberts addressed rumors claiming his longtime manager, Carlton Cofield was taking advantage of him. Roberts was quick to defend Cofield, who had been instrumental in his career from the very beginning. He shared how Cofield pushed him to audition for both BET’s Sunday Best and American Idol, convincing him to step out of his comfort zone after an emotional experience on Sunday Best. “I wasn’t going on ‘American Idol’ at all if it wasn’t for Carlton,” Roberts said, pointing out that Cofield had guided him when he was unsure about taking another chance at a reality singing competition.

As Roberts spoke, his fans flooded the chat with words of support; many expressed their admiration not just for his musical talent but for his transparency and honesty in the face of negativity. His Facebook Live became a moment for his followers to witness a side of him that many hadn’t seen—his vulnerability; the heartfelt session had an emotional undertone, especially when Roberts addressed the accusations against his manager, reinforcing his loyalty to the people who helped him along the way. The love from fans was overwhelming with the chat filled with positive comments encouraging him to ignore the “negative Nancies” and focus on what’s ahead.

While most of the live session was dedicated to clearing up rumors, Roberts also took the time to share updates on his personal and professional life. He spoke about his newborn daughter, Gianna and the joy she brings him along with his excitement over the release of his new single, “Heal.” The transition from discussing rumors to focusing on his family and new music showed a side of Roberts that was grounded and real—his priorities remain with his loved ones and his music and he’s not letting rumors or negativity distract him from his purpose.

While most of the live session was dedicated to clearing up rumors, Roberts also took the time to share updates on his personal and professional life. He spoke about his newborn daughter, Gianna and the joy she brings him along with his excitement over the release of his new single, “Heal.” The transition from discussing rumors to focusing on his family and new music showed a side of Roberts that was grounded and real—his priorities remain with his loved ones and his music and he’s not letting rumors or negativity distract him from his purpose.