Meridian native Jamal Roberts was named the newest “American Idol” on Sunday, May 18, after a record-breaking finale that drew 26 million votes—the highest in the show’s history. Roberts triumphed over fellow finalists John Foster, 18, of Addis, Louisiana, and Breanna Nix, 25, of Denton, Texas, who placed second and third. Following his win, Roberts shared his gratitude on Facebook, calling the experience surreal. “God is so good… I never imagined a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol,” he wrote. “This journey has been bigger than me.”
His victory sparked an outpouring of congratulations from celebrities and Mississippi officials on social media.
