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H. R. No. 26 *HR26/R2335* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
26/HR26/R2335
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representatives Elliott, Calvert, Smith,
Jackson (45th), Horne, Porter, Brown, Butler-
Washington, Clark, Crosby, Denton, Evans,
Faulkner, Ford (73rd), Foster, Haney, Hines,
Holloway (27th), Holloway (76th), Hulum,
Jackson (11th), James-Jones, Johnson, Karriem, Mickens, Osborne,
Sanders, Summers
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 26
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING, CELEBRATING AND CONGRATULATING JAMAL 1
ROBERTS UPON WINNING THE NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED 23RD SEASON OF 2
AMERICAN IDOL AND WISHING HIM MANY MORE YEARS OF SUCCESS IN HIS 3
FUTURE ENDEAVORS. 4
WHEREAS, Meridian, Mississippi, native Jamal Roberts became 5
the winner of the 23rd season of American Idol after endearing 6
himself to millions of viewers by using his transformative vocal 7
talents during each round of the highly-rated competition; and 8
WHEREAS, episode to episode, round to round, Jamal bested his 9
fellow American Idol competitors through many rounds of showcasing 10
his vocal versatility with stirring renditions of Jelly Roll's 11
"Liar", Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and Marvin Gaye and 12
Tammi Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to secure a spot 13
in the show's finale; and 14
WHEREAS, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, he sealed the deal as the 15
newest member of the American Idol club when he stunned the crowd 16
by performing his version of "Heal", by adding a new verse that 17
shocked the consciousness of the audience, bringing many to tears 18
and jubilation at the same time; and 19
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WHEREAS, on that day, he also made history, by becoming the 20
second Mississippian to win the American Idol title and the second 21
African-American male to win the coveted title; and 22
WHEREAS, in spite of the driven nature of this 23
internationally acclaimed competition, Jamal described his 24
experience as positively "mind-blowing" and credited the 25
competition for teaching him the "do's and don'ts" of being an 26
artist; and 27
WHEREAS, this former Physical Education coach from Crestwood 28
Elementary in Meridian, Mississippi, and doting father of three 29
daughters, has been quoted as saying he is most proud of the fact 30
that he showcased his "most authentic self" to the audience and 31
will endeavor to continue being his "most authentic self" as he 32
evolves as an artist; and 33
WHEREAS, since winning the 23rd season of American Idol, 34
Jamal's rendition of "Heal" has charted #1 on the Billboard Hot 35
Gospel Songs Chart, and he has received his first-ever Grammy 36
nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for his version of 37
"Still"(Live Performance); and 38
WHEREAS, in addition to these major milestones, Jamal has 39
added nationwide touring artist to his resume by performing as an 40
opening act for R&B powerhouses Monica and Brandy during their 41
nationwide tour, The Boy is Mine Tour; and 42
WHEREAS, his musical roots are steeped deep in the church, as 43
his paternal grandfather was a bishop and his maternal grandfather 44
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ST: Jamal Roberts; commend and congratulate
upon winning the 23rd season of American Idol.
a deacon, Jamal grew up singing and serving as an usher in church; 45
and 46
WHEREAS, Jamal's life triumphs are a testament to James 2:17 47
that "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied 48
by action, is dead.", because he had previously been a contestant 49
on Sunday Best, without a win, then auditioned for American Idol 50
twice before finally becoming a contestant, yet never gave up on 51
himself; and 52
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 53
celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Mississippians, such 54
as Jamal Roberts, whose talents transcend the boundaries of this 55
state in a manner that brings positive attention to the talents of 56
our citizens: 57
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 58
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 59
commend and congratulate Mississippi's very own Jamal Roberts upon 60
winning the 23rd season of American Idol, and wish him many more 61
years of success in his future endeavors. 62
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 63
furnished to Mr. Jamal Roberts and to the members of the Capitol 64
Press Corps. 65