Mississippi
‘American Idol’ winner Jamal Roberts releases single ‘Mississippi.’ See when
Jamal Roberts on being ‘American Idol’ winner, going home to daughters
Jamal Roberts won “American Idol” Season 23, but he’s about to get even busier after recently welcoming a baby girl.
Meridian native and “American Idol” reigning champion Jamal Roberts is releasing his newest single, “Mississippi,” as a tribute to the state that shaped his career.
In May, Roberts won “American Idol” in a record-breaking vote. In the months since the confetti fell and Ryan Seacrest called his name, Roberts has kept busy touring and recording. His single “Heal” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart.
“Mississippi” will be available to download starting at 11 p.m. central DST on Thursday, July 24, on all major streaming platforms.
The single, a blend of gospel and R&B, was recorded at Electric Blue Studios in California and produced by Grammy-nominated producer Emile Ghantous, who is also credited as a co-writer. Daniel J. Capellaro and Christian Stalnecker are also credited as co-writers alongside Roberts.
From Meridian to Hollywood and back
Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary, started his “American Idol” Season 23 journey when he won a golden ticket singing “Mary Jane” by Rick James in audition rounds.
Before competing on “American Idol,” Roberts grew a following singing covers on TikTok.
In the weeks following his audition, Roberts traveled throughout the U.S. with his fellow contestants, eluding elimination rounds with his raw, soulful performances.
On May 12, Roberts became the fourth Mississippian in “American Idol” history to break the Top 3.
When Roberts first auditioned, judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood were impressed, but agreed Roberts could use some more confidence. The singer gradually grew his stage presence, and by the finale, Roberts easily commanded the room.
Days before the finale, Roberts returned to Meridian for a massive homecoming celebration, including a parade. The concert that followed drew a crowd of 20,000. The entire population of Meridian is just over 33,500.
Shortly after his “American Idol” victory, Roberts told the Clarion Ledger that the following months were already booked with performances, interviews, appearances and recording sessions.
In between the busy days, Roberts planned to spend as much time as possible with his three daughters, Harmoni, 6, Lyrik, 4, and Gianna, who was born just two weeks before the “American Idol” finale.
Roberts has faced his fair share of adversity in the months following his victory as well. In late June, the singer received backlash after the Laurel mayor offered Roberts a key to the city. Laurel residents felt Roberts did not deserve the key since he was not from the town, with some people even threatening to bring guns to his upcoming performance.
Roberts addressed the backlash in a Facebook Live after declining the key and still plans to perform in Laurel in August.
In September, Roberts will perform at the Jackson Convention Complex in a concert benefitting Alcorn State University Athletics.
Starting in the fall, Roberts will be joining Brandy and Monica on their “The Boy is Mine” tour.
Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com
Mississippi
Dallas fugitive arrested in Mississippi
Mississippi
Two more Mississippi State players announce decision to enter portal
The exodus of Mississippi State players continued Sunday afternoon with two more players announcing decisions to enter the transfer portal.
Running back Seth Davis and offensive lineman Luke Work have decided to enter the transfer portal. Both made their announcements in social media posts.
“I’m beyond thankful for my time at Mississippi State. These past two years gave me memories, friendships and lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Work stated. “God gets all the glory. None of this would be possible without Him guiding my path. Thank you to every coach, teammate, staff member and all the amazing people I’ve met along the way. This place truly became family to me. No matter where the road takes me next, I’ll always be proud to say I wore maroon and white.”
Thank you, Mississippi State pic.twitter.com/u55t9dHTYR
— Luke Work (@LukeWork1) January 4, 2026
Work played in 23 games in his two seasons in Starkville. He was thrust into the starting lineup last season as a true freshman, starting seven games including five at left tackle. This past season Work worked mostly at tackle and guard and played in every game except the first against Southern Miss because of an injury.
Davis began his collegiate career with a solid 2023 season, playing in all 12 games and running 59 times for 356 yards and one touchdown. However, his career was put on hold in that season’s Egg Bowl when he suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss all of the 2024 season.
The Katy, Texas native was able to return to action this season and played in two games. Against Alcorn State, Davis had five carries for 47 yards and one touchdown. He enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining.
I have decided to enter the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility.#Godsplan🙏🏾
Thank you Mississippi State❤️ pic.twitter.com/zr7Wuzkyxm
— Seth Davis (@_SethDavis21) January 4, 2026
Mississippi State Transfer Portal
Incoming Bulldogs
Official Visits Scheduled
- CB Tyran Chappell (Houston Christian)
- OL DJ Chester (LSU)
- DL Jayson Jenkins (Florida State)
- EDGE Tunmise Adeleye ( UNLV)
- DL Tarvorise Brown (Florida)
- OT Veguer Jean Jumeau (Tennessee State)
- DT Ahmad Breaux (LSU)
- DL Khalil Poteat (Temple)
- S Justin Denson Jr. (Michigan State)
- CB Quentin Taylor (Iowa State)
- WR Marquis Johnson (Missouri)
- OL Mario Nash (Florida State)
- OL Lucas Simmons (Florida State)
- QB AJ Swann (Appalachian State)
- WR Earnest Campbell (Sacramento State)
- TE Jeff Carpenter (Nevada)
- OL Grant Seagren (Oklahoma State)
- CB Daniel Harris (Georgia)
- OT Anwar O’Neal (Delaware)
- DL Brandon Davis-Swain (Colorado)
- EDGE Jalen Thompson (Michigan State)
- OL Miles McVay (North Carolina)
Outgoing Bulldogs
- WR Jordan Mosley
- S Stonka Burnside
- WR Cam Thompson (Northern Illinois)
- WR Anson Lewis
- DL Terrance Hibbler
- OL Jaekwon Bouldin
- WR Jaron Glover
- DL Corey Clark
- OL Alex Lopez
- K Marlon Hauck
- OL Brennan Smith
- S Tony Mitchell
- WR Markus Allen
- DE Joseph Head
- TE Max Reese
- OL Jimothy Lewis Jr.
- WR Ferzell Shepard
- TE Emeka Iloh
- S Lo’Kavion Jackson
- TE Cam Ball
- QB Luke Kromenhoek
- RB Johnnie Daniels
- S Tyler Woodard
- CB Dwight Lewis III
- DL Ashun Shepphard
- WR Davian Jackson
- P Nathan Tiyce
- DT Kai McClendon
- CB Elijah Cannon
- S Cyrus Reyes
- OL Luke Work
- RB Seth Davis
DAWG FEED:
Mississippi
Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Jan. 3, 2026
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
01-04-07-15-34
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Midday: 4-5-3, FB: 6
Evening: 3-9-1, FB: 0
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Midday: 5-3-4-4, FB: 6
Evening: 9-9-0-0, FB: 0
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Midday: 12
Evening: 09
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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