American Idol Star Jamal Roberts Opens Up About His Relationship Status and Upcoming Album
Fresh off the heels of his American Idol win and a whirlwind summer tour, Jamal Roberts is ready to set the record straight — on both his music and his love life.
In an exclusive sit-down interview with Country Sound Weekly, the 27-year-old breakout star opened up about the pressures of sudden fame, his highly anticipated debut album, and the one question fans just can’t stop asking: Is he single?
“I get that a lot,” Jamal said with a laugh, adjusting the wide-brimmed hat that’s quickly become his signature look. “People wanna know what’s going on in my personal life — I guess it comes with the territory now.”
Rumors have been swirling for months about his relationship with 25-year-old model and entrepreneur Ta’Nika William, especially after the couple appeared together on the red carpet at the CMT Music Awards and later vacationed together in the Bahamas. Jamal has largely stayed quiet about the details — until now.
“Ta’Nika and I are together,” he confirmed. “We’re not hiding it. We just like keeping some things for ourselves. She’s my best friend. She’s grounded. She knows who I really am, not just the guy holding the mic on stage.”
He paused, then added, “And she’s been with me through all of this — the crazy tour schedule, late-night songwriting sessions, the pressure. Having someone who believes in you like that? It’s rare.”
Fans have responded with overwhelming support, especially after a recent viral moment in which Ta’Nika sang backup vocals for Jamal during a surprise Nashville performance. “She’s got a voice, too,” he said, smiling. “People don’t know that yet, but they will.”
But it’s not just Jamal’s personal life that has people talking. His upcoming debut album — set for release later this fall — is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated country-pop crossovers in recent years. The album, titled Rooted, promises a blend of classic storytelling, soulful ballads, and radio-ready hits.
“This album is my heart,” Jamal said. “Every song is a chapter — from where I came from, to where I am now, to where I’m going.”
He collaborated with some of Nashville’s biggest names on the project, including producers who’ve worked with the likes of Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kane Brown. But Jamal made it clear he’s also had a heavy hand in the writing process.
“I’m not interested in being just a voice for someone else’s story,” he explained. “These lyrics come from my life — growing up in a small town, dealing with self-doubt, falling in love, losing people, finding my voice.”
The lead single, “Backroad Hallelujah,” is already climbing the charts and has become a fan favorite thanks to its anthemic chorus and heartfelt message about finding faith in the everyday. Other songs on the album will tackle more vulnerable topics, including anxiety, fame, and the emotional weight of being a role model for young people of color in a traditionally white-dominated genre.
“It’s a big responsibility,” Jamal said. “I feel it every time I walk on stage. But I also feel honored to be part of this moment. Country music is changing. The doors are opening. And I just want to be someone who helps hold those doors open wider.”
Jamal’s humility and honesty have earned him admiration not just from fans, but from veteran artists as well. Blake Shelton, who served as a guest mentor on American Idol this past season, called him “the real deal.” Carrie Underwood recently said Jamal is “the kind of artist who reminds you why we fell in love with music in the first place.”
With his debut album on the horizon and his personal life blooming, Jamal Roberts is proving he’s not just another reality show winner — he’s here for the long run.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” he said. “Making music, loving hard, staying true. That’s all I know how to do.”
And for Jamal Roberts, that’s more than enough.
