On Monday night, March 31, Jamal Roberts, a native of Meridian, dominated “American Idol’s” “Hollywood Week” performances, guaranteeing his place as over half of the 144 competitors were sent home.
Roberts, a 26-year-old physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary, has joined “American Idol” season 23 after passing the audition rounds last week.
Roberts entered the “Idol Arena” on Monday night and stunned judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with an impassioned rendition of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart.”
Roberts is shown in a pre-performance video package throwing a fishing line in his hometown.
In a voiceover, Roberts states, “I was born and raised here.” It’s not all sunshine and roses. In addition to all of that, there is a lot of criminality. The situation is becoming worse. People are afraid to speak for fear that someone may point a pistol at them for saying something inappropriate. You don’t even want to go outside on certain days.
The voice-over features Roberts saying, “It could be a whole lot better than what it is.” “So, I’m hoping I can shed some light on it.”
Roberts added that he intends to motivate his pupils.
“I hope the kids learn to be themselves and see me as an inspiration,” he stated. “Dude, ‘American Idol’ is an absolute dream. I never believed I was good enough at one point. I want to raise awareness and demonstrate to others that if you keep going, keep acting morally, and do good, good things will always find their way back to you. Everybody has a talent from God.More about Roberts’ road to American Idol:A man from Meridian receives a golden ticket and enters season 23 of “American Idol.” View his round of auditions
Roberts’ performance on Monday night moved the judges and audience, who gave the singer a standing ovation.
The three judges were impressed by Roberts’ initial audition, although they also noted that he needed more self-assurance. He gave them that extra confidence on Monday night, and then some.
After Roberts’ performance, Richie remarked, “God has anointed you with something so fantastic somewhere between the last time we heard you and now.” “That performance was outstanding.”
In order to determine the Top 24 for Season 8 on ABC (Season 23 overall), coaches Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan continue to weed through the Hollywood Week performances on American Idol.
Only four performers were selected as part of the Top2 4 following Sunday night’s 62 performances of “Hollywood Week: Showstopper”: Mattie Pruitt, Zaylie Windsor, Gabby Samone, and Platinum Ticket holder Canaan James Hill.
The 42 artists that remain will play duets on Monday night’s head-to-head episode after a number of others were eliminated. One of them, 27-year-old Meridian, Mississippi, PE teacher Jamal Roberts, took a gamble with a country song and it paid off.
He announced to the crowd gathered at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, “I’m performing ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ by Chris Stapleton.” It’s not the same. vocalist from the country. Not accustomed to it. I am venturing beyond my comfort zone. I’m going all out here because I want them to know that I have what it takes to be the next American Idol. This is something I’m doing for my daughters. I want to demonstrate to them that you can accomplish everything you set your mind to.
The artists on “Showstopper” night were not given any feedback by the judges; instead, they had to wait until all 62 of them had performed before learning the outcome. However, we were able to hear some of their conversations.
“He missed one or two,” Luke added. He didn’t make it all the way.