Here's why I believe American Idol Season 23's Jamal Roberts is a strong contender for the finale

American Idol Season 23
American Idol Season 23's Jamal Roberts | Image Source: Instagram/ @officialjamalroberts

Disclaimer: This American Idol article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

One of the American Idol Season 23 contestants, Jamal Roberts, 27, hails from Meridian, MS. A PE teacher by profession, Jamal has won the hearts of the fans and the judges. The latest episode of the singing competition featured Jamal Roberts advancing to the Top 12.

Since his audition, American Idol Season 23's Jamal Roberts has left his mark on everyone. His audition, selection for the Top 24, Top 14, and the most recent, Top 12, have been quite the journey. The Crestwood native and father of two, Jamal Roberts, with his mesmerizing voice and skills, I believe, is a strong contender to be a finalist on the singing reality show.


American Idol Season 23: Jamal Roberts—a strong contender for the show's finale

Let's start from the beginning. Jamal Roberts' audition was part of Week 4 of the auditions. His first ever performance was Rick James' Mary Jane. After the judges liked his voice, he advanced to the competition's next phase. Soon, he was among the Top 24 contestants on American Idol Season 23, unaware that it was just the beginning for him.

While he was advancing from one phase to another, not all fans knew about his background. In his WTOK interview published on April 24, 2025, Jamal stated:

"I don’t really know how to feel. I just know that I’ve been on a show before, and I know that I did well on that show, and I do know that it can take a turn for the worse. So right now, I don’t know how to feel. I’m just playing my part."

Seeing such a mindset from contestants truly shows their character and down-to-earth nature. Additionally, Jamal has been singing since age two, after his grandparents learned about his talent. He recalled that via his WTOK interview from March 4, 2024.

"I've been singing since the age of two. My grandfather and grandmother actually were the ones that knew that I would sing one day. I grew up singing The Temptations... So since the age of two I've been singing," he said.

He also works as a PE teacher at Crestwood Elementary School in his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. While teaching, he is also quite popular among his students for singing occasionally. With PE, he is also involved in musical activities at the school.

Jamal Roberts' most recent American Idol Season 23 performance was the Isley Brothers' Shout Parts 1 and 2. Carrie Underwood said that Jamal's performance was really great, "which everyone in the room loved."

Lionel Richie, Jamal's favorite judge on the show, stated that his performance was:

"So professional. You are so good!"

Luke said that the performance that Jamal delivered was "smart" for him and that he "knocked" it out of the park "every week."

With such remarks from the judges for his most recent performance and before that, Jamal has become one of the renowned faces of American Idol Season 23. Based on his skills and singing, there is a high chance that Jamal will be a strong contender for the upcoming American Idol Season 23 finale.


Fans can enjoy American Idol Season 23 episodes on Hulu, with new episodes coming out every Sunday and Monday.

Edited by Gira Rathod