Jamal Roberts Reveals the Major Sacrifice He Made After Winning ‘American Idol’: “I Had To Leave”

While Jamal Roberts considered being a father the best thing to ever happen to him, the singer watched his life drastically change after he won season 23 of American Idol. Finding his way into the season finale, Roberts was still processing his victory over John Foster. Only becoming the newest American Idol back in May, the singer looked ahead to his future in the music industry and sharing his own songs. But even with the fame that followed him, Roberts admitted it came with some sacrifices. 

Discussing his life after American Idol with Billboard, Roberts quickly found that his old life had drastically changed. “I went home and thought I could do the same thing I was doing before I left and I found that to be a lie.”

When returning to his home, Roberts hoped to go back to teaching. But given his new stardom, he knew that chapter in his life was over. “The first day I went back to school after winning Idol, people were coming up to the school [to see me] and I thought, ‘This won’t work.’ So I had to make that ultimate decision. As an employee, I had to leave, but I still show up and volunteer all the time because this is where my passion is and my heart is, as well as music.”  

[RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Icon Reveals What the Show Is Desperately Missing, Addresses Carrie Underwood’s Criticism of Jamal Roberts]

Jamal Roberts Shares His Thoughts On Recording New Album

Although Roberts stepped away from teaching, he learned it was the right decision. “America voted for me, so they expect to see something. They expect me to put in a little more work and I have the work ethic and I’m ready.” 

Focusing on his work within the studio, Roberts followed through with his promise to fans and released his newest single, “Mississippi”, on July 24th. It didn’t take long before he started to gain praise for promoting his home state. “Yesssss Jamal I’m so proud of you putting Mississippi out there we love you Jamal.” Another comment included, “I’m so proud of you. God will continue to be with you wherever you go.  But I know it’s nothing like home.”

With Roberts watching his new song gain love from American Idol fans, he looked to take a slow approach to an album. When asked about the possibility of a new album, the singer declared, “Like I told my label and producers and my manager, I don’t want to put out an album right now. Why don’t we just do what we’re doing? Keep people wanting more and let them support me 100% and I’m loving that. Even though “Mississippi” is just coming out, trust me, we’ve got more stuff cooking and it’s going to be amazing. Stay tuned.”

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)