With a heart as big as his voice, Jamal Roberts brought the magic of Disney Night to life on American Idol with a deeply emotional and vocally rich rendition of “Go the Distance.”
Known for his soulful tone and undeniable presence, the 27-year-old father of three didn’t just aim for a Top 5 spot — he sang like it was his final performance, pouring every ounce of love and purpose into the moment.
Roberts, who had just spent time with his family at Disneyland as part of the show’s festivities, returned to the Idol stage with renewed determination. Clad in a shimmering iridescent suit, he took center stage and delivered a passionate performance that earned him a standing ovation from all three judges. His vocal control, R&B finesse, and emotional storytelling combined to create a moment that resonated far beyond the studio.
Throughout the performance, Roberts connected with the lyrics on a personal level, referencing the emotional strength of Hercules, a character who was “strong but had some weak moments.” That duality — strength through vulnerability — was the heartbeat of Roberts’ delivery. His voice soared with conviction as he sang for his daughters, using the song to tell a story of perseverance, fatherhood, and heart.
Judge Carrie Underwood praised Roberts for making every song feel personal, noting, “You always find a way to fit yourself in it… you make it look easy.” Luke Bryan echoed the sentiment, saying Roberts needed very little guidance because he instinctively knows how to elevate a song. And when host Ryan Seacrest pointed out Lionel Richie’s joyful expression during the set, Richie explained it best: “There’s something so old school about you… I feel like I’m watching Otis Redding.”
Whether you’re watching as a fan of Hercules, a parent, or simply someone who appreciates honest musicality, Roberts’ performance was a powerful reminder of why American Idol remains such a beloved stage for emerging talent. His performance felt less like a competition entry and more like a love letter — one written to his children and delivered with soul.
After spending time at Disneyland with their families, the Top 7 contestants returned to the stage for American Idol’s first-ever back-to-back Disney Nights on May 11, 2025. The live, coast-to-coast broadcast kicked off at 8 p.m. Eastern, with voting open during the show for just under two hours.
The high-stakes night featured feedback from judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, and ended with host Ryan Seacrest revealing the five contestants moving on to next week’s grand finale.
