Eminem Credited as Writer in Justin Bieber’s New Song – But It’s Jamal Roberts Who’s Singing the Chorus
In a twist that has stunned fans across genres, Justin Bieber’s newly released track from his upcoming album has taken the internet by storm — not just for its addictive beat or Bieber’s return to emotional pop roots, but for the unexpected names in the credits. Yes, Eminem is listed as a co-writer. But even more surprising? The powerful, soulful chorus is sung by none other than country sensation Jamal Roberts.
The track, titled “Break the Silence,” dropped without warning at midnight and was initially billed as a solo Justin Bieber comeback anthem. But the moment fans hit play, they knew something different was happening.
It begins with a haunting verse from Bieber — raw, vulnerable, and reflective of his recent battles with fame and mental health. But then, just as the beat rises, a rich, gravelly voice cuts through the air.
“I’ve been quiet for too long / But I’m done holding in the storm…”
That voice? Jamal Roberts.
And suddenly, social media exploded.
“WAIT. Is that Jamal Roberts on Justin’s track?! The guy from American Idol???” one fan tweeted. Within an hour, #JamalRoberts and #BieberxRoberts were trending worldwide.
A Collaboration No One Saw Coming
Jamal Roberts, the breakout winner of American Idol 2025, is best known for his country roots, often described as the spiritual heir to Chris Stapleton and Blake Shelton. His songs usually feature banjos, steel guitars, and heartfelt lyrics about small-town living, faith, and family.
So what was he doing on a pop-rap crossover track with Bieber and Eminem?
According to sources close to the project, the collaboration happened almost by accident. Justin Bieber was reportedly struggling to find the right voice for the chorus — one that conveyed grit, pain, and a quiet kind of defiance. His producer played a snippet of Jamal’s viral Idol performance of “Tennessee Whiskey,” and Bieber immediately stopped the session.
“That’s the voice,” he said. “That’s the soul I need.”
A call was made. Jamal, who was in Nashville working on his debut country album, flew to LA the next day. Within 48 hours, the chorus was recorded. Eminem, who had already contributed to the song’s lyrical framework, gave his approval, reportedly saying: “This kid’s got something real. He ain’t fake.”
Fans React with Shock — and Love
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Pop fans have fallen in love with Jamal’s raw delivery, while country loyalists are thrilled to see their rising star reach a global stage.
“Jamal’s voice adds a whole different weight to the song,” wrote Billboard in a review just hours after the release. “You feel the heartbreak. You feel the struggle. And when Bieber and Roberts trade lines near the final bridge, it’s pure musical lightning.”
Even Eminem chimed in with a rare public post: “Sometimes, the story ain’t yours — it’s someone else’s pain. That chorus? That’s Jamal’s storm. Respect.”
The Lyrics That Hit Home
The song’s lyrics — co-written by Eminem, Bieber, and songwriter Julia Michaels — speak of years of silence, pressure from the spotlight, and finally finding the courage to speak out.
But it’s Jamal’s chorus that is being hailed as the heart of the track:
“You said I’d never find my way / Just a voice in the crowd, meant to fade / But I rise like thunder, loud and proud / And now you hear me — now I’m loud.”
The verse is widely believed to reflect Jamal’s journey — from a small-town mechanic in Oklahoma to becoming the unexpected American Idol champion and now, a voice on one of the biggest pop releases of the year.
What’s Next for Jamal Roberts?
Insiders say this is just the beginning.
“Jamal’s crossing over,” said a source at Republic Records. “But not in a way that abandons his roots. He’s expanding. He’s rewriting what a country star can do.”
Jamal himself kept things humble on Instagram, simply posting:
“Honored to be part of this. Thank you @justinbieber for trusting me with your story. Thank you @eminem for the words. This one’s for the quiet fighters. #BreakTheSilence”
A New Era for Genre-Crossing Music?
With artists like Lil Nas X, Jelly Roll, and now Jamal Roberts breaking down walls between genres, the definition of “pop” and “country” is changing fast. And fans seem ready.
As one TikTok user put it: “This ain’t just a song. It’s a movement.”
And at the center of that movement, for now, stands Jamal Roberts — a country boy with a big voice, a bigger heart, and now, one very unexpected pop anthem under his belt.