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It’s not every day that an American Idol contestant gets a standing ovation from the judges and the artist whose song they just performed. But that’s exactly what happened on Sunday night (April 13) at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, when Jamal Roberts took the stage with his rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar.”
The 27-year-old Mississippi native didn’t just sing the song — he owned it. From the first note, Roberts brought passion, precision, and stage presence that had the judges, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, on their feet. But the biggest praise came from Jelly Roll himself.
“I would feel disrespectful to call this my song at this moment,”
Jelly Roll told Roberts after the performance.
“This is now Jamal’s song. I was singing Jamal’s song tonight.”
That’s the kind of moment that only American Idol can deliver.
Jamal Roberts takes American Idol by storm with 'Liar'
Jamal Roberts has been a quiet force throughout this season of American Idol, but his performance of Jelly Roll’s “Liar” catapulted him into a whole new league. Taking the stage under the Hawaiian sun, Roberts delivered flawless vocals that felt raw and real.
“You took Mr. Roll’s song and beat it up!”
judge Lionel Richie said with enthusiasm.
“You exploded off of that stage to the point where I had to compose myself.”
Carrie Underwood echoed the sentiment, pointing out the powerful contrast between Roberts’ calm demeanor and his explosive performance.
“You walk on stage and you have this super chill, calm demeanor. You just seem so quiet and sweet, and then the music starts and something else takes over,” she said.
“I think I saw every vein in your face and in your neck just popping out because you were just giving it everything you have.”
In a season already full of talent, Roberts’ version of “Liar” stood out as a defining American Idol moment.
Jelly Roll praises Roberts in a heartfelt moment
As American Idol’s first-ever artist-in-residence, Jelly Roll didn’t hold back in praising Roberts. And his words weren’t just kind—they were profound.
“Man, I am blown away by everything about him,” he said.
“His story, his testimony, his love for his children, his community, his city — but most importantly I love his voice.”
The country superstar was visibly emotional, admitting that Roberts’ performance took ownership of the song.
“I was singing Jamal’s song tonight,”
Jelly Roll said.
“This is now Jamal’s song.”
This isn’t the first time Jelly Roll has connected with contestants, but his response to Roberts felt different. It was more than just a musical compliment — it was a full passing of the torch. Moments like these are part of what makes American Idol feel bigger than just a singing competition. It’s about artists recognizing artists.
A performance that shifted the competition
Roberts’ cover of “Liar” was more than just a good performance — it was a game-changer in this season of American Idol. He didn’t just win the audience over; he won Jelly Roll’s respect. That level of recognition has serious momentum in a competition like this.
Performing a song in front of the original artist is no small feat. Doing it so well that the artist says it’s not even theirs anymore? That’s next-level. Roberts took a big risk, and it paid off in the most unexpected way.
With only a few weeks left in the season, Roberts’ name is now firmly in the spotlight. His American Idol journey just leveled up in front of millions of viewers — and the judges, the audience, and Jelly Roll himself all know it.
What this means for the rest of the season
Every season of American Idol has at least one turning point — the moment a contestant goes from “one to watch” to “the one to beat.” Jamal Roberts might’ve just had that moment. His rendition of “Liar” checked every box: vocals, emotion, presence, and originality.
Now that Jelly Roll has passed the symbolic mic, the expectations will be higher. But if Roberts keeps delivering like this, he’s not just making it to the finale — he could very well take the crown.
And let’s not forget, American Idol thrives on moments that feel authentic and unexpected. Roberts gave us both.
Where to catch more American Idol moments
Jamal Roberts’ performance of “Liar” is now available to watch online, and it’s worth a rewatch — or three. It’s one of those rare performances that even casual fans of American Idol will remember.
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You can catch new episodes every Sunday and Monday on ABC, or stream them anytime on Hulu. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Roberts to see how he follows up what many are calling his breakout moment.
And if Jelly Roll’s reaction is anything to go by, we may be witnessing the start of something big. Because on this night, it wasn’t Jelly Roll’s song anymore. It was Jamal’s.
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