Jamal is a proud father of three daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna Grace, who was born during his time on American Idol, just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol. His two older daughters, 6-year-old Harmoni and 4-year-old Lyrik, were regulars throughout the show, supporting their father every step of the way.

Jessica Simpson made a much-discussed return to perform on TV during the American Idol finale after a nearly 15 year hiatus.

Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Carrie Underwood's predecessor, Season 2's Ruben Studdard, in 2003.