Jamal Roberts Knows How He'll Spend His 'American Idol' Prize—When It Arrives

Jamal Roberts may be the newest "American Idol," but the grand prize that comes with the title has yet to reach him. Despite this, he already has a plan for it.

It's been more than a week since Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner of "American Idol" Season 23, but the singer is still waiting for the $250,000 cash prize to hit his account.

"No, I haven't received it. Don't know where it is," Roberts said in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on May 27, 2025. "I'm interested in knowing," he quipped.

Roberts said he plans to play it smart with the winnings, revealing he doesn't intend to make any extravagant purchases. "I'm going to put it in the bank," he shared.

In addition to the cash prize, Roberts is also entitled to a complimentary Disney Wish cruise for four. The trip is especially meaningful for the artist, who is a father to three young daughters: Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna.

He admitted the reality of his win still hasn't fully sunk in, saying: "I say it to myself every day, 'Did I just, you know, win 'American Idol'?' I asked myself that. I'm like, 'Did I actually win 'American Idol?'".

Roberts' win also came at a deeply personal moment. His daughter Gianna was only nine days old when he was announced as the winner. "I've got a lot of making up to do," he admitted when he won.