AnAmerican Idolwinner chose to reject a recent honor because outraged fans thought that he didn’t deserve it.American Idolseason 23featured host Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. During the finale,Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner, while John Foster was the runner-up, and Breanna Nix placed third.
AnAmerican Idolwinner chose to reject a recent honor because outraged fans thought that he didn’t deserve it.
According toParade, Jamal, who’s from Meridian, Mississippi, scheduled several concerts after hisAmerican Idolwin, including one in Atmore, Alabama, where he received a key to the city. However,when the mayor of Laurel, Mississippi, decided to give him the key to his city, outrage ensued.
The concert organizer from Laurel, Drake Paige, posted on Facebook about Jamal’s honor, writing,“I just got word that the mayorJohnny Magee will let me present Jamal Roberts with the ‘key to the city’ August 2nd! This is big ! Look at GOD moving!”
However,residents of Laurel were irate because Jamal is from Meridian, and not Laurel. One person posted,“He ain’t from Laurel. That ain’t fair now,“while another added,“Jamal Roberts from Meridian who only came through Laurel to get to Hattiesburg.”
The situation escalated to some people making death threatstowards Jamal. He posted,“You have people sharing the post, making threats, talking about they’ll have guns at the event.”
Jamal, who taught physical education in Meridian before hisAmerican Idolwin, continued,“I worked with kids before American Idol and it’s crazy that…kids can comprehend (how to behave) more than grown folk. It’s a sad world we live in.”
In a Facebook Live, Jamal attempted to explain the situation, saying,“I did not ask for a key to the city. Y’all should get it and give it to them, somebody that’s deserving, I guess. You know, been working in the community for years. But I don’t want it.“However,Jamal added that he’d still perform in Laurel, although he wouldn’t accept the key to the city.
What Death Threats Against American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Mean
Jamal Didn’t Deserve The Backlash
It’s very sad thatJamal had to turn down the honorof receiving a key to the city of Laurel due to the threat of violence at the event. He didn’t deserve the backlash because, as he said, he didn’t ask for the key.The mayor of a city in his home state of Mississippi simply wanted to recognize his incredible achievementof winningAmerican Idol.
Jamal, who’s a father of three, had no choice but to reject the honor because of these threats. It’s a shame that these developments put a dark cloud over what was supposed to be a special day for him. However,Jamal did the right thing by agreeing to still perform at the event, despite the backlash he received.
Our Take On Jamal Roberts Receiving Death Threats
Life In The Public Eye After American Idol Isn’t Easy
American Idolgives people amazing opportunities in life, but the drawback is that they have to live their lives in the public eye after the show. Many contestants haven’t had any experience with being famous, soit’s a shock when they’re thrust into the spotlight, especially if they win. Inevitably, there will be critics who make inappropriate and unacceptable comments towards them.
American Idolhas opened so many doorsfor Jamal as he begins his music career. His single, “Heal,” debuted at No. 1 on theBillboardHot Gospel Songs chart, andhe’s opening for Brandy and Monica on theirThe Boy Is Minetour this fall. It’s disappointing that Jamal has to deal with such terrible negativity when he should be enjoying this time.
As Jamal said,it’s sad that he received death threatsbecause a mayor in his home state wanted to give him the keyto the city. He should be enjoying hisAmerican Idolwin and not dealing with such horrible things. Jamal has made Mississippi proud, and he should be honored for that.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.
