The Latest ‘American Idol’ Champion Returns With A Brand New Top 10 Hit

American Idol winner Jamal Roberts debuts “Mississippi” in the top 5 on Billboard’s R&B and hip-hop digital sales charts while “Heal” rises again on gospel lists. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 09: Jamal Roberts attends the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

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It’s been nearly three months since Jamal Roberts was crowned the latest American Idol winner, and he’s been busy building a real post-show career — something not every victor from the long-running series has managed.

The singer returns to Billboard’s charts with a brand new single, and it’s instantly clear that fans are paying attention to him following his coronation. “Mississippi,” Roberts’s second official release since winning the competition, opens in lofty positions on a pair of rankings that focus on digital song sales in the R&B and hip-hop spaces, and the tune becomes a fast hit.

“Mississippi” Gives Jamal Roberts His Highest Chart Debuts

Roberts’s new cut “Mississippi” debuts at No. 4 on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart. Just one spot behind, it also opens at No. 5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales tally.

Only two tracks debut higher than “Mississippi” on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart this week. Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller’s “It Depends” starts at No. 1, while Mariah Carey’s team-up with Shenseea and Kehlani, “Sugar Sweet,” launches just below, at No. 2.

All three of those tunes also appear at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart, where “Which One” by Drake and Central Cee claims a spot in the top three as well.

“Heal” Rises Again on Gospel Rankings

At the same time that Roberts celebrates the successful launch of “Mississippi,” he’s also watching his Idol winner’s single enjoy another bump. “Heal,” which he debuted during the season finale and released right after his win, moves up on a pair of gospel-specific Billboard rankings.

The composition returns to No. 7 on the Gospel Digital Song Sales chart and improves one space to No. 21 on the Hot Gospel Songs tally.

“Heal” Remains a Gospel Chart Staple

“Heal” has already spent time at No. 1 on both gospel-focused lists, and it’s remained a staple in the genre since Idol ended. That track’s continued success, alongside the impressive debut of “Mississippi” positions Roberts as a rare Idol winner who might continue to find success on the Billboard tallies long after his moment on stage.