Meridian to Shut Down City, Spend $20K on Jamal Roberts Bash as Idol Top 3 Beckons—Parade, Live Concert, and Massive Party Planned Amid Outcry Over Costs.

As hometown hero Jamal Roberts continues to impress on American Idol, the City of Meridian is preparing a grand celebration—if he secures a spot in the Top 3.

According to WTOK, Meridian’s city council approved a proposal this week to reallocate up to $20,000 from the Animal Control budget to Community Development to help fund a concert and parade in Roberts’ honor, tentatively set for May 14. The celebration would include a special stage and lighting setup, and may even be filmed by American Idol.

Clarifying the Budget

The funding shift raised some questions about its impact on a planned animal control facility, but Ward 2 Councilman Dwayne Davis cleared the air. He emphasized that the $20,000 is a small portion of the $750,000 already allocated for the new facility and that any unused funds will be returned to the original budget. Additionally, the full amount will be replenished in the next budget cycle, which begins this July.

“Good morning, Facebook family.

There seems to be some confusion regarding the recent transfer of funds from the Animal Control budget. To clarify: the City Council originally approved $750,000 from the Council Legislation Budget to fund the construction of a brand-new animal control facility.

Recently, we were informed that American Idol is considering a visit to Meridian, Mississippi, to film a concert featuring Jamal Roberts, one of the show’s leading contestants and a proud Meridian native. In preparation, the city needed to secure special staging and lighting to accommodate the potential filming.

To show our support for Jamal and this incredible opportunity, the City Council approved a temporary reallocation of $20,000 from the previously approved $750,000 budget. This ensures we have the resources needed for the event without compromising the overall plan for the animal control facility.

Importantly, if the full $20,000 isn’t used, the remaining balance will be returned to the Animal Control budget, and the entire amount will be restored in the next fiscal cycle beginning July through September 2025.

This decision allows us to both celebrate Jamal’s remarkable achievement and move forward with a state-of-the-art animal control facility, scheduled for completion this fall.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me directly at 601-938-0923. I’d be happy to speak with you.

Thank you for your continued support—please keep voting for Jamal Roberts and be blessed!

— Councilman Dwayne Davis“

He also encouraged residents to continue voting for Roberts, who has become a source of pride for the city.

Who’s Running the Show?

While city leaders are backing the event, there was some discussion during the council meeting about who would oversee planning. According to Community Development Director Craig Hitt, the city will take a primary role due to the funding involved, but will work closely with a dedicated local committee already in contact with both the show’s producers and Roberts himself.

“The committee is our direct line to American Idol and Jamal,” Hitt said. “We’ll rely on their input to help shape the event.”

The city will handle the staging and lighting, while the Jamal Roberts Committee will manage other aspects such as event security in coordination with the Meridian Police Department.

What’s Next?

The concert and parade are contingent on Roberts advancing to the Top 3, which will be revealed during the live results show on Tuesday, May 13. If he makes it, the citywide celebration will take place the following day, Wednesday, May 14.

For now, Meridian is watching closely—and voting fervently—as one of its own edges closer to American Idol greatness.