Nearly 24 years after Kelly Clarkson won “American Idol” and launched her massive music career, she’s helping the current “American Idol” winner, Jamal Roberts, launch his.
On January 16, 2026, Roberts appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” alongside gospel sensation Jonathan McReynolds to perform their Grammy-nominated duet, “Still.” It was the latest high point for Roberts, who’s been on a roll since winning season 23 of “Idol” in May 2025.
Kelly Clarkson Loves Jamal Roberts & Jonathan Reynolds’ ‘Full Circle’ Moment
After McReynolds and Roberts performed “Still,” Clarkson came onstage, shouting over the audience’s cheers, “It was so good. It was, like, moving. It’s like, if people didn’t believe in God before, they do now, well done!”
After asking how their collaboration came about, Clarkson said, “You knew each other before ‘Idol,’ right?”
McReynolds, a two-time Grammy-winning gospel star, told Clarkson that in 2020, he was a judge on BET’s “Sunday’s Best,” the gospel competition that Roberts took third place on.
Sheepishly, McReynolds smiled, “I’m sorry to say that I’m one of the judges that did not allow this guy to win that singing event,” and Clarkson quipped, “I love this full circle!”
“Obviously, he’s not too mad at me about it,” McReynolds laughed. “So, years later, I had a song called ‘Still’ and I heard his voice on it, and I called him. I took a long shot. I got the ‘American Idol’ of this year!”
“Oh my gosh,” Clarkson beamed, “just such a gorgeous voice!”
Fans Were Thrilled to See Jamal Roberts & Kelly Clarkson Together
Roberts shared photos from the appearance and backstage on social media, thanking Clarkson for having them and thanking McReynolds, whom he called a “Christ representative,” for allowing him to be part of “an amazing song.”
The “American Idol” Instagram account left the comment, “Still – forever! – our Idols. Love this so much. 🌟🌟”
Fans flooded Roberts’ post with celebratory comments, too, including one who wrote, “From the first Idol winner to the current one. I love this”
Another gushed, “Jamal & Kelly ❤️ My two favorite American Idol winners!”
Clarkson isn’t the only “Idol” legend to be impressed with Roberts. Not only was 2005 winner Carrie Underwood one of the judges on season 23, but Roberts had celebs including 2004 winner Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson publicly pulling for him while he was on the show.
Roberts has released three singles and went on a massive tour with R&B legends Brandy and Monica during the fall of 2025. There’s a very good chance he’ll appear on the new season of “Idol,” which premieres January 26 on ABC.
