After becoming a national sensation and winning American Idol 2025 on the night of May 18, Jamal Roberts quickly became a beloved name across the United States. Yet, beyond the stage lights and rising fame, what moved the public most was his humility and unwavering loyalty to the school where he once taught—Crestwood Elementary School in Meridian, Mississippi.

Returning to His School Just Days After Winning

Only three days after his victory, while many were expecting news of million-dollar record deals or his first concert tour, Jamal Roberts made a surprise appearance at Crestwood Elementary in a familiar role: P.E. teacher and morning greeter for arriving students. The image of Roberts—smiling warmly and wearing his sports gear—welcoming each child off the school bus touched many hearts. In an exclusive interview with WAPT, he shared:

“I can be both a singer and an inspiration. But teaching—that’s what keeps my heart full every day.”

Unable to Continue Full-Time, But Never Truly Leaving

Although his busy schedule as a rising artist prevents him from teaching full-time, Roberts insists he will never abandon his role as an educator. He promised to return to the school whenever possible to help with extracurricular programs, lead special P.E. sessions, or simply speak to the students and inspire them:

“I want these kids to know that big dreams can start in a small gym—as long as you dare to dream and never stop working.”

A Beautiful Gesture: Donating All His Prize Money to the School

In a move that earned widespread admiration, Jamal Roberts chose to donate his entire $500,000 American Idol prize to renovate and improve Crestwood Elementary. The funds are being used to build a new sports center on campus, supply instruments for the music room, and sponsor free extracurricular programs for underprivileged students.

On his personal page, he wrote:

“I’m not successful if the kids back home don’t have the chance to succeed with me.”

A New Symbol for Both Education and Music

Jamal Roberts’ story goes far beyond a reality TV win. He has become a symbol of staying grounded, of not letting the spotlight outshine your core values. Whether performing for thousands on national television or inspiring a classroom of kids in gym class, Jamal Roberts continues to be a powerful source of hope—through both his voice and his teacher’s heart.