After over a billion votes came in from American Idol faithful, Meridian native Jamal Roberts was selected to move into the competition’s top 14 as six others were eliminated Monday night.
Host Ryan Seacrest opened the show by explaining that half of the 20 finalists after Sunday’s episode would automatically be placed in the “safe zone” based on the fan vote, while the other half would be “in danger” and vie for the remaining four spots. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood would be tasked with deciding which contestants are saved and which ones go home.
Fortunately for Roberts and the thousands of Mississippians supporting him back home, the 27-year-old did not have to fight for his spot in the top 14 after a powerful rendition of Jason Nelson’s “Forever” on Sunday night. When Seacrest informed him America had chosen to put him in the safe zone, Roberts double fist-pumped in joy before singing in celebration Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness.”
Dancing around the stage, exchanging high-fives with Richie and the fans, while singing from the soul, Roberts once again had the place buzzing with one of his looser performances yet. Afterward, the crowd cheered as Bryan hopped on stage and asked Roberts to teach him his dance moves.
“How are you doing that?!” Bryan asked in disbelief.
Along with Roberts, fans chose to advance Kolbi Jordan, Thunderstorm Artis, Filo, John Foster, Mattie Pruitt, Canaan James Hill, Breanna Nix, Slater Nalley, and Gabby Samone. The judges then saved Desmond Roberts, Josh King, Ché, and Amanda Barise, eliminating six hopefuls: Isaiah Misailegalu, Drew Ryn, Olivier Bergeron, Baylee Littrell, Zaylie Windsor, and Victor Solomon.
The top 14 will perform again on Sunday, April 27, for “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night.” Taking on iconic songs from those enshrined in the Rock Hall, contestants will be whittled down to the top 12 as fans vote live. American Idol season 23 airs Sunday and Monday nights on ABC at 8/7c, with the competition set to end on May 18.
More about Jamal Roberts
Jamal Roberts is a native of Meridian, who currently works as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary in his hometown. Roberts’ appearance on American Idol isn’t the first time the 27-year-old has been on TV screens nationwide. In 2021, he competed and made it to the top three on BET’s Sunday Best, a singing competition focused on the gospel genre.
Roberts is also the father of two daughters, Harmoni and Lyrik, whom he’s spoken about multiple times throughout the competition. At the end of his audition on Idol, his daughters ran on stage and exclaimed, “Daddy got the golden ticket!” He’s since expanded outside of the gospel genre and has taken the stage with an array of hits, including Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and Teddy Swims’ “The Door.”
