Jamal Roberts, the talented winner of American Idol, is back with a new single titled ‘Mississippi’ and an exciting tour alongside R&B legends Brandy and Monica.
Jamal Roberts Reflects on His Journey and New Single ‘Mississippi’
When Jamal Roberts took home the title of American Idol last May, it wasn’t just his velvety voice that captured America’s attention. It was also his authenticity — a combination of raw talent, humility, and heartfelt connection to his roots. Now, as he gears up for an ambitious fall tour alongside R&B icons Brandy and Monica, Roberts is releasing a deeply personal follow-up to his chart-topping debut single, “Heal.”
Introducing ‘Mississippi’
The new song is “Mississippi,” a love letter to his home state and a soulful dive into the life that shaped him. “Every time I’m at home getting ready to pack and fly to another state and do a show or assignment, there’s this feeling — man, I’m going to miss home,” he tells Gold Derby. “I miss my kids. I miss the peace I have when I’m in Mississippi.” Watch the full video interview above.
It’s this longing for simplicity and the sacred connection to where he grew up that inspired “Mississippi,” a genre-blending track Roberts describes as a soulful tapestry of country, R&B, gospel, and soul. “Mississippi raised me,” he says proudly. “It has created the human being you’re looking at.”
Emotional Recording Process
With poignant lines like “Traded in the lazy days / I used to lay down by the river and oh, how I miss it,” Roberts paints the autobiographical story of a boy turned man whose solace still comes from quiet moments spent fishing. “That’s home for me,” he says. “It’s not even about catching the fish. It’s just that peace, that moment.”
Recording “Mississippi” was both a creative and emotional endeavor for Roberts, who co-wrote the track with songwriters Emile Ghantous, Daniel J Capellaro, and Christian Stalnecker. “I told the team I wanted to dedicate my first single to my hometown and home state, and they didn’t limit my artistry at all,” Roberts says. His producers even went so far as to recreate scenes from his childhood for the song’s upcoming music video. “They flew down, rearranged my house, and painted a picture of what I used to see growing up. My grandmother’s old-school curtains and rocking chair — man, it just made you feel good.”
Roberts could hardly hold back his excitement when sharing details about his daughters being featured in the video. “Having my kids involved and doing fishing things — that just made it so much more meaningful,” he says. “I think people are going to love it.”
Touring with Legends
But “Mississippi” is just the beginning for Roberts. The 27-year-old singer is currently preparing for one of the most exciting milestones in his post-Idol journey: hitting the road with Brandy and Monica on their highly anticipated The Boy is Mine Tour this fall. Adding to the star-studded lineup are Kelly Rowland and Muni Long.
“The news was huge,” Roberts says, still somewhat awestruck. “When my manager told me Brandy and Monica wanted me on their tour, I was just like, ‘What tour? No way.’ People have waited almost 25 years for them to get back together and do something, and here I am getting to be a part of it? It’s a dream come true.”
For Roberts, the honor isn’t just about sharing a stage with music icons — but stepping into his own artistry. “I’m excited, but now I’ve got to just calm down. ‘You’re the artist now.'”
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Setlist and Future Plans
As for the setlist for the tour, Roberts admits he hasn’t quite nailed it down yet, but fans can expect a mix of Idol favorites, new singles, and classic ’90s R&B vibes. “I’m already strategizing,” he says. “It’s got to make sense — straight to the point. You might hear ‘Mississippi’ on the tour, or ‘Heal’ — people love ‘Heal’!”
Roberts is no stranger to high-profile events. His electric performance alongside Kirk Franklin at the BET Awards this summer solidified his place as more than just “this year’s Idol winner.” “Kirk called me and said, ‘Nephew, I want you in this,’ and I was like, ‘OK, let’s go.’” The rehearsal was a star-studded affair, with Tamar Braxton and Long joining him, but Roberts’ radiant energy set him apart. “I was accepted by all these celebrities that I looked up to — at the private BET parties they were coming up to me!” he recalls. “When I got to my room, I freaked out. It just felt so good to be accepted and embraced as the American Idol, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Now, with the spotlight firmly on him, Roberts is finding his footing. “I feel like I’m where I need to be,” he says confidently. “There’s more to pull out of me as an artist, and I’m growing and learning each day, but I feel locked in.”
But as far as an album, Roberts is keeping fans guessing. Though he’s quick to reassure skeptics that he’s got “some songs in the chamber,” as he puts it, “I think I might just do singles,” he says. “I just don’t want to throw an album out there. I like the suspense — I like the way everything’s going.”
With a busy schedule ahead of him, Roberts seems determined to prove that his American Idol victory is only the beginning: “We’re locked and loaded. We’re ready!”
“Mississippi” is now available to stream or download and you can follow Roberts on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
