Few people were prepared for Jamal Roberts’ arrival on the American Idol stage during the 2025 auditions. Roberts, a gentle 37-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, carried nothing but a quiet smile—and a story—and was dressed simply in a navy sweatshirt and well-worn sneakers. However, what followed had everyone in the room, including the judges, standing up.
Roberts, who works as a warehouse supervisor and is the only parent of 6-year-old Maya, gave a moving rendition of an original song called “First Light,” which was composed in memory of his daughter. The song’s heartfelt and candid lyrics depicted daily events that Roberts claims “feel like miracles” since becoming a father, such as evening ballads, lunchbox notes, and morning routines.
Before beginning to perform, Roberts told the judges, “I never saw myself standing here.” However, Maya always asks her father to sing her a song she has never heard before she goes to sleep. I began writing songs specifically for her. I’m here now, doing this—for her.
It was an electrifying response.
The performance was dubbed “a modern-day classic” by Lionel Richie, who likened Roberts’ storytelling to that of Bill Withers. “You didn’t just sing a song—you opened a window into your world, and it’s beautiful in there,” Katy Perry said, wiping away her emotions. “That’s the kind of dad I want to be,” said Luke Bryan with a simple smile and nod.
A heartwarming video call from Maya backstage concluded Roberts’ golden ticket moment. She said, “Did you win the thingy?” “Not yet,” he smiled in response. “But we’re off to a pretty good start, I think.”
The video has received more than 18 million views on YouTube and TikTok since the audition. Parents nationwide have expressed their gratitude and admiration for the performance in the comment sections, referring to it as “a love letter to fatherhood.”
Online fans have already dubbed Roberts “America’s Dad,” and many of them are following his Idol journey for the man behind the song as much as the music. In just 48 hours, a GoFundMe that a viewer launched to support his future musical endeavors raised $40,000.
However, Roberts maintains his groundedness in spite of the attention.
In a post-show interview, he stated, “I still get Maya up every morning, pack her lunch, and walk her to the bus stop.” “Being her father is the dream I never realized I needed, but American Idol is a dream too.”
Roberts is already writing again as he enters Hollywood Week, this time with Maya’s assistance. He chuckled, “She inspired me to write a new chorus.” “It goes like this: ‘Even when you sing off-key, you’re my favorite song.’”