May 14, 2025, was a day Jamal Roberts will never forget. The American Idol finalist returned to his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, for a hero’s welcome—complete with cheering fans, a community celebration, and one very special moment: meeting his newborn daughter, Gianna Grace Roberts, for the very first time.
The 27-year-old PE teacher from Crestwood Elementary was all smiles as he reunited with his family, students, and hometown supporters after securing a spot in the Top 3 of American Idol Season 23. But amid the hometown parade and performances, the highlight was deeply personal—finally holding baby Gianna, who was born while Roberts was competing live in Los Angeles earlier in May.
During the May 5 live show, Roberts surprised everyone by revealing that he had quietly welcomed a new baby girl. While fans caught a quick glimpse of a hospital photo that night, it wasn’t until May 16 that Jamal posted the first personal photos of Gianna on Instagram—and they couldn’t have been sweeter.
The first photo showed Gianna in an adorable ladybug outfit, with the caption:
“Hey world, meet my little ladybug 😩 Gianna Grace Roberts. I’m so proud to be her father 😭 #girldadforlife #idol”
Another photo melted hearts even more—Gianna wearing a tiny custom t-shirt covered in snapshots of her dad performing on Idol, along with the words:
“My Dad is the Next American Idol”
“Vote Jamal Roberts — Meridian Proud, Meridian Strong, Meridian United.”
A third image showed the newborn peacefully napping in a soft lavender outfit, pacifier and all.
On the May 5 episode, Roberts explained why he had kept the news private:
“It was so personal to me, I did not share it. But I have a healthy, beautiful baby girl born today.”
Little Gianna is now the youngest member of Jamal’s growing family. She joins her proud big sisters—6-year-old Harmoni and 3-year-old Lyrik—who’ve been cheering him on from the Idol audience and helped welcome him home in Meridian.
Jamal’s heartfelt hometown visit, including the emotional moment he met Gianna for the first time, will be featured during the American Idol finale airing May 19. He’ll be competing against fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix for the title.
With his powerful voice, genuine spirit, and now three daughters proudly by his side, Jamal Roberts continues to inspire fans across the country—bringing not just talent to the stage, but heart and soul every step of the way.
