During American Idol‘s “Ladies’ Night” episode, in which the top 10 took to the stage with hits from some of the most iconic women in music, Mississippi native Jamal Roberts sang his way into the top eight with a Carrie Underwood song.
Trying to follow in the footsteps of Underwood, who won season four of the show in 2005 before returning this year as a judge, Roberts sang “Undo It.” Before the performance, the 27-year-old from Meridian explained his reasoning behind the song choice.
“I think Carrie is a strong woman, so I’ve got to sing one of her songs,” he said.
When working with guest mentor Miranda Lambert, Roberts was advised to emphasize the vocal runs he’s used to make it this far in the competition. Taking the Grammy winner’s advice into account, he added a soulful bliss to the sassy country hit, and it had the judges cheering in unison.
“That was so much fun,” Underwood said after getting hold of the cowboy hat Roberts wore before launching it at the final note. “I’m keeping this!”
“You are mesmerizing, and I love it,” judge Lionel Richie added.
After over 21 million votes flooded in, the lights were dimmed as host Ryan Seacrest announced who would be heading home and who would be continuing their journey to become the next American Idol. Roberts joined John Foster, Josh King, Breanna Nix, Slater Nalley, Mattie Pruett, Gabby Samone, and Thunderstorm Artis in making it to the next round. Platinum ticket winners Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill were eliminated.
American Idol season 23 will be back in action on Monday, May 5, at 8/7c on ABC for the annual “Judge’s Song Contest” episode.
