It’s official — Jamal Roberts is having his moment.

The 2025 “American Idol” winner made his first talk show appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on October 9, where he dropped his brand-new single “Nothing Compares.” And in true Jennifer Hudson fashion, the EGOT winner was so floored by Roberts’ powerhouse vocals that she threw her shoe across the studio, her ultimate seal of approval.

As Hudson introduced him, she beamed, “I am so excited for my next guest. He just won American Idol, and he’s here to show us his big, beautiful, soulful voice.” Moments later, Roberts took the stage, delivering a stirring two-minute performance that left the crowd and Hudson herself speechless.

“I’ve seen our people dream when someone steals their heart.
Start to stare at the finer things like a priceless work of art.
Those things are beautiful. I got to tell the truth.
I’ve seen it all, baby, but nothing, nothing compares to you in the morning.
You late at night.
There’s no better feeling than holding you tight.”

By the final note, Hudson was already on her feet, shouting “Jamal!” before walking toward him in awe. Then, in a move fans have come to expect from her, she kicked off her heel and sent it flying — laughing as she told the audience, “If you don’t know, this is the ultimate compliment. After you sang that song like that, I’ve got to throw the shoe!”

After the performance, Roberts joined Hudson on the couch to talk about his whirlwind year — from winning Idol to balancing fame with his day job as a PE teacher and proud girl dad of three.

Explaining the heartfelt meaning behind “Nothing Compares,” Roberts said, “As my journey progressed throughout the years, I’ve had some people come into my life that really meant a lot. They call them ‘aunties’ and ‘cousins’ on social media — and I just wanted to say I really appreciate them. If it hadn’t been for those people supporting me like they did, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Hudson, who’s been one of Roberts’ biggest supporters since his Idol days, proudly told him, “I watched every beatdown to the last second. I called you as the winner — and I was right!”

Roberts laughed, admitting he almost didn’t make it past Hollywood Week. “I thought I was leaving,” he said. “But Jelly Roll pulled me to the side and told me, ‘Man, chill out. You got this. Hold your horses.’”

The two also shared a sweet moment reflecting on how far Roberts has come — from being told “no” countless times to now touring with Brandy and Monica.

“After being told you’ll never make it, and now to be embraced by all colors of people… it’s the most amazing feeling in the world,” Roberts said.

As the interview wrapped, Hudson smiled and said what everyone was thinking: “You’re a superstar, Jamal. We all can’t wait to cheer you on.”