American Idol season 23 winner Jamal Roberts still hasn’t received his $250,000 grand prize after the May 18 finale, but he has some plans for it when the show finally does give it to him. Jamal won American Idol season 23 after emerging victorious over runner-up John Foster and Breanna Nix, who placed third. Jamal also released his single, “Heal,” which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs.

American Idol season 23 winner Jamal Roberts still hasn’t received his $250,000 grand prize after the May 18 finale, but he has some plans for it when the show finally does give it to him.

In an interview with Us Weekly, Jamal revealed that he has yet to see his $250,000 American Idol grand prize. He shared, “No, I haven’t received it. Don’t know where it is. I’m interested in knowing.” However, Jamal does have a practical plan for the money when he finally does receive it. He said, “I’m gonna put it in the bank.” In addition to the grand prize, Jamal also won a Disney cruise, along with runner-up John. The cruise is a trip for four on the Disney Wish, which includes a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Key.

Jamal added that he still can’t believe he won American Idol. He shared, “I say it to myself every day, ‘Did I just win American Idol?’ I asked myself that. I’m like, ‘Did I actually win American Idol?’ It feels like it didn’t happen. It’s always [been] a dream, and now it’s a reality. I’m like, ‘Do I keep dreaming?’ I’m definitely excited that America chose me.”

No, I haven’t received it. Don’t know where it is. I’m interested in knowing.

What Jamal Roberts Not Receiving Prize Money Yet Means For American Idol

Winning American Idol Doesn’t Have the Same Impact It Used To

It’s surprising that Jamal still hasn’t received his American Idol prize money, but ABC will most likely deliver on it soon. What’s even more shocking is how much less of a prize the show rewards the winner compared to the million-dollar record deal that was bestowed upon winners such as Kelly Clarkson during the FOX era of the show.

ABC also doesn’t support its winners after the show in the same manner that FOX did, as champions such as season 18’s Just Sam had to go back to busking in the subway, and season 20’s Noah Thompson was dropped by his record label. Therefore, winning American Idol doesn’t have the same impact that it used to, which could mean that people might be hesitant to audition for it. Some fans have even pointed out that it’s better not to win the show because the other finalists get all of the publicity without being tied to a contract.

However, it’s nice to hear that Jamal is planning to save his money by putting it in the bank. As the father to three daughters–Harmoni, Lyrik, and Gianna, who was born on the day of the May 5 American Idol episode–he must be thinking about their future. Jamal was a physical education teacher in his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, before he won American Idol.