Two months after his life-changing victory on American Idol season 23, Jamal Roberts is giving fans a first glimpse into his next chapter—with original music that hits close to home.

In a touching Instagram post shared on July 8, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter and father of three teased the emotional lyrics to his debut single, “Missing You in Mississippi,” set for release on July 25, 2025. The video features Roberts alongside his daughters in a cozy, candid family setting, underscoring the deeply personal nature of the track.

“Traded in the lazy days I used to lay down by the river / Oh, how I miss it,” Roberts wrote in the caption, quoting from the song. “Out here smiling like this is the light / But deep inside I’m just pretending / No, that ain’t living / I’m missing you in Mississippi / And it don’t feel the same without you with me 😩❤️🤞🏾”

A Love Letter to Home

Roberts has been vocal about his love for his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, and he’s now channeling that affection into his first original release since the show. During a Facebook Live with fans on July 2, Roberts confirmed that “Missing You in Mississippi” is the first of many original tracks to come, sharing that he recorded the single in Los Angeles and Nashville throughout June.

“My first song is gonna be dedicated to Mississippi,” Roberts told fans. “So, y’all, I do love every state. But, you know, the one you’re raised in is different.”

Though this will be his first original single, Roberts previously released a powerful cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal” as part of his American Idol win. With “Missing You in Mississippi,” he begins to carve out a new chapter in his artistic journey—this time in his own words.

In a sneak peek of another lyric he shared earlier in the week, Roberts wrote: “You know, lately it’s getting hard to handle / Healing is getting hard to channel / Can’t shake this feeling / I know you get it / Everything is for a reason / You know it’s cold, but it’s just a season.”

What’s Next for Jamal Roberts?

Roberts has no plans to slow down. While he won’t be dropping a full album just yet, he teased that more singles are on the way.

“After ‘Mississippi,’ I’m gonna give y’all a little time to breathe—and I do mean a little—and I’m gonna hit y’all with another,” he said with a smile. “That’s how we’re gonna keep this thing rolling. Train’s gonna keep on rolling.”

This fall, Roberts will join R&B powerhouses Monica and Brandy for their “Boy Is Mine” tour, performing across 24 cities from October through December. Fans across the country will get to see firsthand the rising star’s heartfelt performances and signature vocal power.

As Roberts’ music career gains momentum, fans have filled his comment sections with love and encouragement.

One wrote: “You got this, Jamal. Everything you’ve worked for has brought you to this moment.”

Another added: “You have more than what it takes to stay the course.”

With “Missing You in Mississippi”, Jamal Roberts is not only honoring his roots—he’s building the future, one soulful lyric at a time.