Meridian native Jamal Roberts landed in the top 10 of American Idol on Monday night, avoiding elimination on the show’s “Iconic Idol Moments” episode.
The remaining dozen were asked to pick a viral moment across the show’s 23-year history and make it their own. Roberts chose Tom Odell’s “Heal” after it was masterfully performed by Leah Marlene in season 20.
The rendition left the judges mostly speechless with Lionel Richie summing it up in one word: “Divine!” The fans, on the other hand, were loud with their votes as millions showed their support of Roberts after the mesmerizing performance.
Roberts was joined by Gabby Samone, Kolbi Jordan, Canaan James Hill, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Filo, John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Slater Nalley in the top 10. Two contestants, Che Chesterman and Josh King, saw their Idol journeys come to an end.
Roberts, who is 27 years old and works as an elementary school PE teacher in his hometown, is the first Mississippian in two years to crack the top 10. During season 21, Monroe County natives Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith made it into the top five, with Stough finishing third and Smith fifth. The last singer from Mississippi to win the entire competition was Amory’s Trent Harmon during season 15.
American Idol season 23 returns on Sunday, May 4, at 8/7c on ABC with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
