Mississippi native Jamal Roberts continues to shine on season 23 of American Idol. But will it be enough to land him in the show’s top 24?
The aspiring star from Meridian stepped outside of his comfort zone of gospel and soul with a rendition of Chris Stapelton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” during Sunday night’s “Hollywood Week: Showstoppers” round. He had all three judges on their feet by the end of the song, with Lionel Richie shouting, “Lord have mercy!”
“This performance right here, I feel like it already changed my life. I didn’t think I was going to make it this far and look at me – I’m right here,” Roberts said after the performance. The 27-year-old currently sits in a field of 62 contestants after last week’s cuts.
As for the judges’ thoughts on the performance, it was apparent all three were wowed with how Roberts was able to take a slow country song and add a soulful twist to make it his own. However, as the show continues to thrive in its new-age coaching format, there were some slight critiques made by Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood.
“He missed one or two [notes], where he didn’t get all the way there,” Bryan said as Richie seconded, “Normally, that little growl that he has on top, he missed it twice. But it’s something I know that he can do.”
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While Idol fans will have to wait until Monday night to find out if Roberts advances, the PE teacher and father of two has his fingers crossed to be included in the top 24 of what some are saying is the most-talented class the show has ever seen.
“I’ve just got to wait. I don’t have patience, and I don’t know why because I work with kids for a living,” Roberts said, laughing. “I’m doing this for my kids. I don’t think there’s a word in the dictionary that can explain how bad I want to win this.”
If the judges do choose to move Roberts forward in the competition, he will be the latest Mississippian to make it that far. Last season, Starkville native Jennifer Jeffries saw her journey stop in the top 20. Two seasons ago, Monroe County natives Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith both advanced to the top 5 before Stough finished in third.
American Idol season 23 airs every Sunday and Monday night at 8/7c and goes through May 18.
