⁠"I'm going to try to bring it out of the hat": American Idol contestant Jamal Roberts reveals what he wishes to perform this season 

American Idol Top 7 contestant Jamal Roberts has his sights set on showcasing his musical roots in upcoming performances. The 27-year-old PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, recently shared his performance aspirations at the Hulu Get Real event.

"I do think I'm going to try to do a Temptations song," Jamal told Parade.

Elaborating:

"I'm going to try to bring it out of the hat. I've seen so many comments and so many fans and viewers and friends that were like, 'You should get up there and do a Temptations song.' I'm going to try to get up there and give it a try."

With his Tom Odell "Heal" performance becoming the Top 10's most-watched video, Roberts continues to build momentum as the competition intensifies and the field narrows toward the crucial Top 5 cut.

American Idol contestant Jamal Roberts’ musical roots and background

Roberts' connection to music began remarkably early, having started singing at just two years old. His musical journey was shaped significantly by his grandparents, who encouraged his talent through church services and consistent support. This lifelong passion is evidenced in his decision to name his daughters after musical terms.

"I always said, even before I had kids, that I was going to name my kids after music," Roberts explained.

His daughters – Harmoni, 6, and Lyrik, 3 – carry this musical legacy in their names.

Growing up, Roberts developed a particular affinity for Michael Jackson and The Temptations, influences he now hopes to honor on the Idol stage. This musical foundation seems to serve him well in American Idol, where judges have notably supported his performances.

Despite his musical ambitions, Roberts has chosen to remain in his hometown rather than relocate to a traditional music industry hub. As a PE teacher in Meridian, he's maintained a connection to his community while pursuing his musical dreams.

"I never wanted to move out of Meridian, actually," Roberts shared.

Declaring:

"I'm not a fan of traffic; Meridian doesn't have traffic. You don't have to wait hours to eat."

This decision has allowed him to impact young lives both as an educator and now as a role model pursuing a national platform. During his American Idol journey, Roberts received numerous messages from his students back home, reinforcing his belief that he was making a positive difference.

Looking ahead at the Top 5 selection

With the competition advancing toward the crucial Top 5 selection, Roberts feels well-supported by the show's resources. He expressed gratitude for the behind-the-scenes vocal coaching that helped him develop.

"I have the best coaches in the world literally," he emphasized.

Explaining:

"They help me push myself to my full potential, and the judges are just so supportive."

He remains motivated by his primary inspiration, his daughters, whom he calls:

"my world, my life" and "the reason I'm here and working so hard to keep smiles on those little faces."

His perspective on the competition remains focused on authenticity rather than strategy. He noted that judges have encouraged him to stay "in his own lane" while "exploding on the stage."

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American Idol Season 23 airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.

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