Jamal Roberts Just Won American Idol – But What He Did With the Prize Money Brought Everyone to Tears

May 18, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA — Jamal Roberts, the soulful voice who stole America’s heart on this season of American Idol, was crowned the winner last night in a finale packed with emotion. But it wasn’t just his victory that had people talking — it was what he did next.

Instead of celebrating with luxury or a lavish lifestyle, Jamal took his entire prize money — a whopping $250,000 — and quietly began visiting cities across the country. His mission? To buy brand-new guitars for street musicians.

“I remember playing on the sidewalk with a cracked second-hand guitar,” Jamal shared in an emotional interview. “People walked past me like I was invisible. I made a promise to myself — if I ever made it, I’d give back to those still out there, making music because they love it.”

From New York to New Orleans, videos are now surfacing online showing Jamal personally handing out guitars — each one with a note: “Keep playing. The world is listening. – Jamal.”

Fans, fellow contestants, and celebrities alike have flooded social media with praise.

“You didn’t just win Idol, Jamal,” tweeted judge Lionel Richie. “You won our hearts.”

It’s rare to see fame met with such humility — but Jamal’s story proves that true stars shine brightest when they lift others up.