On a balmy night in Hawaii, American Idol viewers didn’t just witness a performance — they witnessed a moment. A musical coronation, delivered not by a household name, but by Jamal Roberts, the humble P.E. teacher from Crestwood Elementary in Meridian, Mississippi.
Roberts, 27, has been quietly rising since his standout audition earlier this season. But on Monday, April 7, during the Top 24 showcase at Disney’s Aulani Resort, he crossed the threshold from contestant to phenomenon.
His weapon of choice? A soul-baring, honey-smooth rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar.” And it didn’t just move the judges — it moved Jelly Roll himself.
“You’ve just taken my song and made it better,” Jelly Roll said, eyes wet with emotion. “I feel like I was singing your song tonight.”
The comment, and the performance, sent a jolt through Idol Nation. Viewers lit up social media, calling the moment “goosebump-inducing,” “chill-worthy,” and “a star being born right in front of our eyes.” Lionel Richie simply called it a “musical takeover.”
But Roberts’ momentum was already building. After a grit-laced performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” during Showstoppers, he cemented his place in the Top 24 — and in the hearts of millions.
A Family of Talent
What fans may not know is that Roberts isn’t the only musical force in the family. His younger brother, Desmond Roberts, 23, has become a viral sensation on TikTok for his acoustic covers of gospel and soul classics. One video — a duet with Jamal on a stripped-down “Lean on Me” — has garnered more than 3.2 million views and even caught the attention of Jelly Roll.
“I saw those two together and immediately thought — that’s the future of country-soul,” Jelly Roll said backstage. “They have that magic only brothers can share.”
Insiders say a live duet featuring Jamal and Desmond is in the works — a first in the show’s 23-season history. Rumors are also swirling that Jelly Roll has extended an invite for the brothers to join him onstage at a summer music festival in Nashville.
Back Home, A Hero’s Welcome
Back in Mississippi, Crestwood Elementary threw a watch party that turned into a full-blown celebration. Students wore “Team Jamal” shirts and cheered wildly as their gym teacher lit up the national stage.
“He’s not just a great singer,” said Principal Karen Hill. “He’s a role model, a leader, and now… a star.”
As Roberts prepares for the next stage of the competition, one thing is clear: this is no longer just a journey of a teacher who sings. It’s the rise of an artist who took someone else’s story — and sang it like it was his own.
And as Jelly Roll put it, it kind of is now.
