How American Idol’s Jamal Roberts Celebrated His Win

American Idol was a whirlwind experience for season 23 winner Jamal Roberts. So when it was all over, the Mississippi native basked in his victory with a favorite treat.

“I think I got me some hot fish, a hot fish sandwich,” Roberts, 27, told Us Weekly exclusively on Tuesday, May 27. “And I went to get my kids and take them to the house so we could spend time with each other.”

Roberts defeated runners-up John Foster and Breanna Nix on the May 18 Idol finale, earning not just $250,000 in prize money but a trip for four on the Disney Wish cruise line. He still hasn’t received his winnings but, for now, the father of three is happy to be home.

“I was ready to get to my house and get into bed and get my kids,” he admitted, referring to his daughters, Harmoni, Lyrik and Gianna. “I was just ready to go be a dad at this point.”

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Like every Idol winner, Roberts had a busy post-show schedule. He stopped by New York to do Good Morning America and is heading back on the road next month for CMA Fest in Nashville.

Although his youngest daughter is just 3 weeks old, he said it’s actually not hard to balance fame and fatherhood.

“It’s quite easy,” he said. “You just don’t put yourself first no more, Especially when you’re a father, a parent. It’s not about you anymore. It’s all about making the right decisions, especially since I’m doing this for my kids so that they’ll have a bright future.”

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While Roberts may feel he has it “easy” now, the road to get there was anything but simple. He auditioned twice for American Idol before making it to the top of season 23.

“I didn’t get defeated. I never gave up,” he told Billboard in April. “I took the no. I’ve always been able to take constructive criticism and use it for my gain and try again. This has always been me.”

This time, he took some advice from judge Lionel Richie, who gave him confidence on stage despite his previous setbacks.

“He said, ‘When you are on stage and get to doing what you’re doing, you’re exploding. I hate to see you leave.’ That stuck with me. It means I’m doing something right,” Roberts added. “I’ve learned to stay true to yourself. Don’t second-guess yourself. Oh man, second-guessing can cause a lot of stress. Go with your first mind. Anything that you do, do your best.”