GRAMMY Nominee and American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts to Lead Free Student Choral Performance at The MAX on March 12

MERIDIAN, Miss. (March 10, 2026) – GRAMMY-nominated singer and Season 23 American Idol winner Jamal Roberts has partnered with the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) to lead a choral residency for local students March 9-12, during spring break.

Capping off the week-long residency, Roberts will lead the Soul Sound Choir in a public performance on Thursday, March 12, at 6 pm. This is a homecoming of sorts for Roberts, a Meridian native who first began performing at The MAX as a young adult. Fresh off a national tour alongside fellow Mississippians Brandy and Monica, Roberts is working with approximately 100 students across grades 5-12, channeling his success into hands-on mentorship.

“When we approached Jamal about doing something at The MAX for students during spring break, he immediately expressed a desire to put his choir back together,” said Penny Kemp, President/CEO of The MAX. “We couldn’t be more excited to provide students this opportunity to work with a nationally recognized, professionally touring artist. We also couldn’t be more impressed with Jamal’s commitment to give back to his community.”

The public is invited to experience the free performance by Jamal Roberts’ Soul Sound Choir on Thursday, March 12, at 6 pm in the Citizens National Bank Courtyard at The MAX.

Spring break is a busy time at The MAX, with students ages 12-18 taking part in hands-on workshops from industry professionals in the Governor’s Recording Studio.

A few spots remain for Beat Making Workshops with Meridian native and multi-Billboard-charting hip-hop producer Twysted Genius on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. Registration is required. Interested students can learn more about the workshops and register online at www.msarts.org/events or by calling 601.581.1550 (ext. 33).