“I’m still trying to process this … God is so good,” Jamal captioned an Instagram post during the May 2025 season finale. “From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.”

Jamal also shouted out his three daughters in his caption, writing, “Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”

“To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory,” the singer-songwriter added. “Now, I get to make music with the best in the world and share my story. But this isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart…. THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all.”

Below, has five facts about Jamal, our latest American Idol!

Jamal is from a small town called Meridian, Mississippi.

The music artist became the first Black man to win the show since during season 2 in 2003.

Up until now, Jamal has worked as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School.

It’s still unclear what Jamal’s relationship status is, but fans have been asking if he has a wife since he’s a dad to three kids.

Jamal is a proud dad of three little girls named Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna. His youngest, Gianna, was born just days before Jamal delivered his Top 8 performance. He even brought some of his daughters up to the stage upon winning Idol.