Written by: Mariah Isom (@ma.riahh)

American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002, with Kelly Clarkson crowned as the very first winner. Now, 23 seasons later, we’re celebrating Jamal Roberts as the newest American Idol champion.

After previously auditioning for BET’s Sunday Best, a gospel singing competition, Jamal had sworn off television. Thankfully, America can thank Jamal’s manager, Corey, for convincing him to give American Idol a shot. The right team behind you can change your life and for Jamal, that opportunity came in the form of American Idol.

Even on audition day, Jamal made sure he stood out. I mean, who chooses to sing “Mary Jane” by Rick James? And yet, it worked. Even Lionel Richie had to acknowledge Jamal’s ability to tell a story with his voice, while Luke Bryan saw his heart from day one.

Each week, viewers watched Jamal’s confidence build, his stage presence grow and fell in love with the beautiful music that poured from his soul. We witnessed a young man transform into a grown man taking the judges’ feedback, applying it, and evolving with every performance. It was exactly the kind of journey America needed to see.

When was the last time we witnessed greatness like this? Over 22 years ago, when Ruben Studdard became the last Black man to win American Idol. History has been made again this time with 26 million votes.

A Mississippi native, a father, and a former PE teacher, Jamal Roberts is now the winner of American Idol. Encouraged by his manager to audition, he showed the world what happens when purpose meets preparation.

Jamal proves that what is meant for you will always find you and nothing or no one can take it away.