June 10, 2025—American Idol winner Jamal Roberts was fresh off his historic victory in the Season 23 finale when he visited Pebblebrook's Performing Arts Center to speak to students and encourage them to dream big. 

Jamal told the story about how he thought he was done with signing shows after placing third on Tyler Perry's Sunday Best during COVID. After some encouragement, he auditioned for American Idol and the rest is (now) history. "If I had won Sunday Best, this never would have happened," Jamal said with a big smile. "So, don't be afraid to try. Whatever it is you want, just go for it. You never know how it's going to turn out."

Before his singing career hit the stratosphere, Jamal was a Physical Education teacher in his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. He is also the proud father of three girls, and his youngest was born while he was competing on American Idol. 

"She was born during the show, and I hated not being there," Jamal said. "I love kids and I love being a girl-dad. I learn so much from them."

Pebblebrook was just one of many stops that Jamal hopes to make in his effort to use his new fame to speak to kids of all ages. He thinks giving back and being a positive role model to students is very important, as he explained to WSB-TV's Lori Wilson during his visit to Pebblebrook.

"Every opportunity I have to put our students in front of real-life success stories in the arts, I do," said Pebblebrook's Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts Director Robert Connor. "It was very important to me when the opportunity presented itself, and we invited our students to talk and glean insight on what could be some of their future career choices!"

Just as Jamal's decision to finally audition for American Idol changed his life, long-term results can come from what seem like small decisions.

"For some of the students here today, this moment will be the thing that changes their trajectory and gives them the inspiration and hope to reach for their dreams. I am grateful to have a network of professionals in the arts and entertainment industry that support what is most important to me: providing enrichment and platforms to the next generation of stars," Director Connor concluded.