Mississippi native Jamal Roberts continues to impress on American Idol season 23, and he’s hoping his latest performance will secure him a spot in the show’s top 24. On Sunday night’s “Hollywood Week: Showstoppers” round, Roberts stepped outside his gospel and soul comfort zone, delivering a soulful rendition of Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey. By the end of the performance, all three judges were on their feet, with Lionel Richie exclaiming, “Lord have mercy!”
After the performance, Roberts reflected on how far he’d come: “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.” The 27-year-old is currently among 62 contestants following last week’s cuts.
The judges were clearly impressed with how Roberts took a slow country song and added his own soulful twist, making it uniquely his. However, as part of the show’s new coaching format, they did offer some critiques. Luke Bryan noted that Roberts missed one or two notes, while Lionel Richie pointed out that the signature growl Roberts usually delivers was absent in some parts. Despite these minor flaws, both judges expressed confidence in Roberts’ ability to improve.
Fans will have to wait until Monday night to see if Roberts advances, but the PE teacher and father of two is hopeful. “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,” he laughed. “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 Roberts is selected to move forward, he will join the ranks of Mississippi natives who have made it far in the competition. Last season, Starkville native Jennifer Jeffries made it to the top 20, while Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith from Monroe County both advanced to the top 5 in previous seasons.
American Idol season 23 airs every Sunday and Monday night at 8/7c and runs through May 18.