Mississippi native and newly crowned American Idol champion Jamal Roberts is making headlines once again — but this time, it’s not for his voice.
Roberts, who won Season 23 of American Idol in May with a record-breaking 26 million votes, recently declined an offer to receive the key to the city of Laurel, Mississippi, following an unexpected wave of local backlash.
The controversy began after a local concert promoter claimed on social media that Mayor Johnny Magee had given the green light for Roberts to be honored at an upcoming concert in Laurel. The announcement followed a heartwarming moment in Atmore, Alabama, in June, where Roberts and his three daughters — Harmoni, Lyrik, and newborn Gianna — were given a key to the city.
“Y’all made us feel like we were at home,” Roberts wrote on Facebook after that event. “Thank y’all for loving on my babies and accepting me just the way I am.”
However, the reaction in Laurel was far different. According to Roberts, the prospect of receiving a similar honor sparked online hostility, including threats of violence.
“People said they’d bring guns to the concert,” Roberts said in a Facebook Live video, visibly shaken. He also noted some residents questioned why an outsider was being honored instead of long-standing local contributors.
“I did not ask for a key to the city,” Roberts said. “Y’all should get it and give it to them — somebody that’s deserving, I guess… But I don’t want it.” He concluded his message with gratitude toward Mayor Magee, but a firm decline: “Respectfully, keep it.”
Despite the tension, Roberts confirmed he still plans to perform at the August 2 concert in Laurel.
Before his rise to national fame, Roberts worked as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in Mississippi.
A devoted father and passionate performer, he became the first Black male winner of American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. His breakthrough came this season with a soulful rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane” during auditions.
As Roberts continues his home-state tour, the incident serves as a reminder of both the power and complexity of hometown pride, especially when celebrity meets small-town politics.
