Meridian native Jamal Roberts advances to 'American Idol' top 20 with gospel rendition

For the third time in as many years, a Mississippian has advanced to the top 20 of American Idol.

Jamal Roberts, an elementary PE teacher from Meridian competing on season 23 of the singing show, won enough of the fan vote last week to join a growing list of people from the Magnolia State to make it this far in the competition. Last season, Starkville high schooler Jennifer Jeffries made it to the top 20 before being eliminated. During season 21, both Zachariah Smith and Colin Stough of Monroe County carved their way into the top five before Stough finished third overall.

Roberts, looking to become the first Mississippian to win since Trent Harmon did it in season 15, sang for his chance to advance to the top 14 on Sunday night. Taking the stage with gospel star Jason Nelson’s “Forever,” the 27-year-old once again had fans buzzing and the judges over the moon with his performance.

First-year judge Carrie Underwood compared Roberts’ performance to the metallic disco suit he sported, while veteran judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan agreed that the aspiring star took the crowd to church on Easter Sunday.

“Your talent is as sparkly as your outfit,” Underwood said. “That was a joy to listen to and watch.”

“That was some outrageous singing. I don’t know who possessed you, but if that’s the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost is always going to be with you,” Richie said as Bryan added, “Yeah, you’ve just got the magic. What I love most is that it’s current and old-school, too. You are slaying it.”

Roberts and the rest of the top 20 will find out who will be included in the top 14 and who will go home when Idol returns Monday at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Fans can vote here until Monday at 8 a.m. CT.