Jamal Roberts Making History Honored by MS State Senate and Honorary MSU Bulldog

Honorary Mississippi State University Bulldog

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, which was Valentine’s Day, Jamal Roberts became an Honorary Mississippi State UniversityBulldog and received the sweetest gift - a MSU Cowbell with his name on it from the Black Alumni Association Weekend 2026. He was asked to raise the Cowbell and say “Hail State.”Applauds from the audience were thunderous and the audience was filled with pride, celebration and a deep sense of legacy. His acceptance speech was about education, giving back and unity. He expressed gratitude to the trailblazers who paved the way and to Mississippi for shaping his character. Jamal was honored because of his impact as an artist and community figure. He later performed to an electrifying audience as he passed out red roses.

Jamal Roberts and family were presented with Senate Resolution 24

During the 2026 Regular Session of the Senate, Jamal was presented Senate Resolution 24 that was authored by: Rod Hickman, Tate, McCaughn, Johnny Dupree, Kamesha Mumford, Derrick Simmons and Joseph Thomas.

Jamal was recognized for the positive cultural influence and contribution he has made with his sensational soul/gospel singing and winner of 2025 American Idol from Meridian, MS. Also, for singing the National Anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, bringing honor to his home state and community. It reads like this:

• “WHEREAS, Jamal Roberts is an outstanding American soul/gospel singer from Meridian, Mississippi, who won Season 23 of American Idol in 2025, becoming a breakout artist known for his powerful voice, faith-based music, and background as a P.E. teacher and father of three, earning him a Grammy nomination and a recording contract; and

• WHEREAS, Jamal Roberts is known for his emotionally rich vocals and unforgettable performances when he delivers a soulful set in an intimate setting.  His events are in great demand, generating funds for programs such as Alcorn State University Athletics; and

• WHEREAS, Mississippi was still represented on the field even though the Ole Miss Rebels didn't play in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship.  Jamal Roberts sang the national anthem prior to kickoff during the National Championship on January 19, 2026; and

• WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend an incredible Mississippi talent whose dedication and commitment to musical excellence have made a lasting impact on the music industry and brought honor to the State of Mississippi:

• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the positive cultural influence and contribution of Jamal Roberts, sensational soul/gospel singer and American idol winner from Meridian, Mississippi, who sang the national anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, bringing honor to his home state and community, and extend our best wishes to Jamal and his family on his outstanding achievement.

• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jamal Roberts and his family, forwarded to the Cleveland Grammy Museum, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.”

Jamal has deep roots in Louisville, MS. During Jamal’s journey on American Idol Season 23, he often spoke of his step-mother, the late Tabitha Cistrunk Roberts who raised him and encouraged him to be the best that he could be. He dedicated songs to her during the season. Tabitha Cistrunk Roberts who was born and raised in the Mt. Olive Community in Louisville, MS. Her father was the late Frankie J. Cistrunk whose mother was the late Mattie Eichelberger Cistrunk Triplett. Jamal considered Frankie his grandfather.  Glenda Cistrunk stated, “Jamal followed Uncle Frankie around and sang when he was a young boy.” His step-mother, Tabitha died from covid-19 in 2020 while working as a nurse at a medical facility in Meridian. When he sang “Heal” by Tom Odell, he mentioned that she had been gone 5 years. It seemed that he was still healing from her death. Jamal dedicated Sam Cook’s song; A Change is Gonna Come to his Tabitha.  He stated that she loved to hear him sing it to her. A change did come when he became American Idol 2025. He continues to make history. Only Jamal Roberts (Season 23 2025) and Trent Harmon (Season 15 2016) have won the title of American Idol from Mississippi. That is history.