American Idol fans are finally getting to see this season’s slate of uber-talented contestants take on their toughest task yet as over half the field gets cut during the annual portion of the show called “Hollywood Week.”
Monday night was the first of two episodes filmed back in mid-January in Los Angeles, and while ABC didn’t dedicate too much time to identifying the dozens of singers who were either staying or leaving, we do know at least one Mississippian is moving forward.
Jamal Roberts, a Meridian native who works as a PE teacher but has dreams of being music’s next big star, received unanimous approval from judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood during his audition that aired last week. But the 27-year-old was also told by the panel of stars that he needs to work on rounding out his on-stage presence while showing a bit more “swagger.”
On Monday night, Roberts looked more rounded out than ever and took not only the judges but fans tuning in nationwide by storm with his rendition of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart.”
“Somewhere between the last time we heard you and now, God has anointed you with something so fantastic, and that [performance] gave us an opportunity to appreciate his gift to you,” Richie said. “That was a brilliant performance.”
Roberts’ latest airtime also gave viewers some insight into his life in Meridian and at Crestwood Elementary School, including the moment he surprised students with the golden ticket he received during audition rounds.
“When my students watch this, I hope they understand that whatever they put their minds to, you can do anything and achieve anything,” Roberts said as the screen panned to students jumping with joy alongside the aspiring singer.
As for the other Mississippians who made it to Hollywood Week – Meridian native Lillie Zatlaly Rhoden and Tunica native Allie Purvis – their latest performances have not been aired at this time.
However, Rhoden hinted on social media that she did not advance: “An opportunity of a lifetime for sure, I will not forget, and I will be going back to LA but on my OWN TERMS! It was never about the yeses, it was about proving to others how far support can go, how far supporting each other can go.”
Hollywood Week resumes on Sunday, April 8, and can be watched on ABC. American Idol season 23 airs every Sunday and Monday night at 8/7c and goes through May 18.
