With a voice that bleeds soul and a presence that commands attention, Jamal Roberts first stunned early listeners not on a major stage, but in a raw, mic-less performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Long before he ever stepped into the American Idol spotlight, Roberts was already showing signs of something extraordinary.
That early clip — filmed with nothing but natural acoustics and emotional weight — quickly gained traction online. Standing tall without amplification, the Meridian, Mississippi native poured every ounce of his spirit into the timeless anthem. Few artists dare to tackle Cooke’s soul classic, and even fewer can truly honor it. But Roberts didn’t just sing the song. He lived it. Each note was etched with depth; each phrase cracked with the ache of personal truth. It was an unfiltered, unforgettable reminder: soul doesn’t need staging. It just needs honesty.
Now, fast forward to Season 23 of American Idol, and Roberts is proving that early buzz was no fluke.
On Monday night, he earned his spot in the Top 14 with a powerhouse performance of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.” This time, there was no holding back — just energy, emotion, and electrifying showmanship. The crowd was on their feet, the judges were dancing in their chairs, and Roberts was clearly in his element.
It was yet another standout moment in a season packed with rising stars. Coming off his spine-tingling Top 20 performance of “Forever” by Jason Nelson, which earned him a standing ovation, Roberts continues to build momentum. Viewers and judges alike are praising his unique blend of versatility, emotional depth, and undeniable stage presence.
With every performance, Jamal Roberts is not only honoring the legends of soul — he’s carving out a place for himself among them.
