Win or lose, American Idol has afforded so many hopefuls a post-show career. Having the opportunity to earn a fan base on the biggest stage in the world, what happens when Idol concludes truly is what you make of it. Perhaps you’re a winner like Kelly Clarkson and change the face of pop music in the 21st century. Or maybe you’re Adam Lambert and don’t win, but have the chance to become the new frontman for Queen. American Idol is career-changing. Now, Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts is learning this firsthand.
Perhaps one of the biggest tours coming this fall is Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine Tour. It’s officially been announced that Jamal Roberts will be joining them as a supporting opening act. Thanks to his American Idol win, Jamal has been discovered to be a newfound rising star in R&B. Now, joining Brandy and Monica, it’s highly likely that he’ll earn new fans who may not have known him from Idol. The visibility and launch pad that the show afforded Jamal proves that victory was just the push he needed to open extraordinary doors.
Jamal Roberts Brings Something Fresh to the Brandy and Monica Tour
Barely a month has passed since Jamal Roberts won American Idol, and his life has completely changed. Not only has he gained notoriety as an American Idol winner, he’s captured the attention of the music industry. The 27-year-old father of three is putting his life as a PE teacher to the side to hit the road with arguably the most anticipated reunion tour. When he made the reveal on Instagram, he wrote, “The things God is doing in my life 🥺 Hmmmmm and new music is on the way 🔥🔥🔥 Sit tight 🤞🏾 oh and I love yall ❤️💪🏾” And it’s not just he and the two R&B icons. He’s also joining special guests Muni Long and the Kelly Rowland. Not a bad first gig after winning a reality show! And maybe Jamal might be pulled out to be the object of affection for the tour’s titular song!
The reason why Jamal Roberts found his footing in the industry so swiftly is that he knows who he is as an artist. Not many Idol hopefuls can truly say that. His ability to perform Jelly Roll and Carrie Underwood alongside Rick James and Otis Redding proves that even outside of his lane, his artistry is still present. He won over country music fans by giving them their favorite songs, but with that flair that defines his musicality.
Now, he gets to take big stages and debut his own music. As most concertgoers know, sometimes you see a diamond in the rough in the opening acts. They may turn into a singer you add to your playlists. That’s going to happen for Jamal. And it couldn’t happen on a better tour. He’s keying into the demographic that is going to champion him beyond the show. There are very few winners who have had this massive of a breakout in the ABC era of the show.
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Defeating two country artists in a country-centric season didn’t deter him. He stayed true to himself. Being only the second Black male victor since Ruben Studdard is an extraordinary fact. Perhaps that’s why the industry has taken note of the singer. Now, being able to work alongside someone like Brandy, she can help him navigate the industry as a fledgling artist. Had he not won, it’s likely this opportunity would not have happened.
As we previously said, win or lose, American Idol’s impact on the entertainment industry is bigger than most other talent reality competition shows combined. Jennifer Hudson earned an EGOT after finding fame on Season 3. Katharine McPhee used Idol to help work her way into the acting world in television and film. Jordin Sparks found massive success as a pop R&B singer before making her Broadway debut. Not only was Fantasia able to play the role of Celie on Broadway, but she also portrayed the role in the movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple. We could be here for hours listing the accomplishments American Idol contestants have found after the show. Jamal Roberts is in good company and starting his career in the best way possible.
