On May 11, 2025, the stage at Disneyland Resort in California became a sanctuary of raw emotion as American Idol Season 23 contestant Jamal Roberts delivered a heart-wrenching tribute to his late stepmother, Tabitha, with a soul-stirring rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” The 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, stood among the Top 7 contestants during a special “Disney Night” and “Mother’s Day Dedication Night” episode, but it was his second performance of the evening—a deeply personal homage to the woman who shaped his musical journey—that left judges, audience members, and viewers at home in tears. As of May 13, 2025, Roberts’ performance has not only secured his spot in the Top 5 but has also cemented his place as a fan favorite, with many now seeing him as a frontrunner to win the title.
Roberts’ journey on American Idol has been a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering connection to his roots. Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, a city he has described as a place where “everything is not peaches and cream,” Roberts has used his platform to shine a light on his hometown, hoping to inspire change in a community plagued by crime and hardship. A father of three daughters—Harmoni, Lyrik, and newborn Gianna Grace—Roberts has balanced his role as a P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary School with his burgeoning music career, a path he’s been on since the age of two. His grandparents discovered his talent early, raising him on the soulful sounds of The Temptations, and his stepmother, Tabitha, became his biggest cheerleader, encouraging his dreams of becoming a singer. “She was the one that always supported my music,” Roberts shared during the episode, his voice heavy with emotion. “She always told me I would do great things—she’s the reason why I’m here.”
The May 11 episode of American Idol was a doubleheader, with contestants first performing Disney classics on the Disneyland stage, mentored by Lin-Manuel Miranda, followed by a Mother’s Day tribute round dedicated to the maternal figures in their lives. Roberts kicked off the night with a powerful rendition of “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Hercules, a song he chose for its personal resonance. “The lyrics spoke to me in a different way,” he explained, reflecting on his own journey of perseverance through the competition. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were visibly impressed, with Underwood noting, “With every song you tackle, you put yourself in it. You make it look easy,” and Richie adding, “You have an ability—you put on flashy clothes, and it gets bigger than that!” The performance showcased Roberts’ ability to infuse every note with authenticity, a trait that has defined his run on the show.
But it was the Mother’s Day tribute that truly showcased Roberts’ depth as an artist and a person. Standing center stage, dressed in a simple black suit, Roberts dedicated his performance to Tabitha, who passed away unexpectedly five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. “She loved when I’d sing this song,” he said, introducing “A Change Is Gonna Come,” a 1964 classic by Sam Cooke that has long been a beacon of hope and resilience, particularly within the Black community. The song, written during the Civil Rights Movement, carries a weight of struggle and triumph, and Roberts poured every ounce of his grief and gratitude into it, honoring the woman who believed in him when he was just a boy with a dream.
As the opening chords played, Roberts’ voice filled the room with a haunting clarity, each note carrying the pain of his loss. “I was born by the river in a little tent, and just like the river, I’ve been running ever since,” he sang, his voice steady but brimming with emotion. The audience was silent, hanging on every word, as Roberts navigated the song’s intricate runs with a soulful precision that belied his 27 years. By the time he reached the crescendo—“I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will”—his voice soared to the rafters, an explosive finish that drew a standing ovation from the judges and audience alike. Tears streamed down the faces of viewers in the crowd, and host Ryan Seacrest, visibly moved, remarked, “That was one of the most powerful moments we’ve seen on this stage.”
The judges were equally floored. Lionel Richie, known for his own soulful legacy, was so struck by Roberts’ maturity that he quipped, “I need to see your birth certificate—that voice is far beyond your years!” Carrie Underwood, wiping away tears, called it her “favorite performance of the night,” adding, “Jamal, you just proved why you’re here in the Top 7. You proved why you should continue to be here—that was you being you.” Luke Bryan praised Roberts’ timing and delivery, noting, “It’s been a minute since we’ve heard you do a good ol’ classic R&B song. Way to pick that one.” The performance was a masterclass in storytelling, with Roberts channeling his grief into a moment of transcendence that resonated deeply with everyone watching.
For Roberts, the performance was more than just a chance to advance in the competition—it was a way to honor Tabitha’s memory and the profound impact she had on his life. “She was the one who always told me I would do great things,” he said backstage, his voice breaking. “Losing her during the pandemic was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through, but I feel like she’s with me every time I step on that stage.” The emotional weight of the tribute was palpable, and it connected with viewers on a visceral level, especially as America voted live to determine the Top 5. By the end of the night, Roberts’ name was called among the five advancing contestants, alongside Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Thunderstorm Artis, while Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone were eliminated.
Roberts’ journey to the Top 5 has been marked by consistent growth and authenticity. He first captured the judges’ attention during auditions with a soulful rendition of Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” earning a golden ticket to Hollywood. Since then, he’s navigated every round with a strategic approach, choosing songs that showcase his versatility—from Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” in the Showstoppers round to Fantasia’s “I Believe” in the Top 8, which he performed just days after welcoming his third daughter, Gianna Grace. “I’m being very strategic this season,” Roberts told Queen City Newsfeed earlier in the competition. “I don’t want to be boxed up—I want to be in my own lane. I’m gonna be the wow factor.” His performances have consistently delivered on that promise, earning him a spot as one of the six Mississippians in American Idol history to reach the Top 5.
The impact of Roberts’ tribute extended far beyond the stage. Social media erupted with praise, with fans on X calling it “a coronation moment” and “one of the best performances in Idol history.” “Jamal Roberts just brought the house down with ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’—I’m in tears,” one user wrote, while another commented, “He’s not just singing, he’s healing through that song. Jamal deserves to win.” The performance also sparked conversations about the power of music to connect across generations and experiences, with many viewers sharing their own stories of loss and resilience in response to Roberts’ vulnerability.
As Roberts prepares for the next round on May 12, where the Top 5 will perform Disney songs inspired by heroes and villains, he carries with him the weight of his stepmother’s belief in him—and the support of a nation rooting for his success. With the Season 23 finale set for May 18, Roberts is now just steps away from potentially becoming the next American Idol. Whether he takes home the title or not, his tribute to Tabitha has already left an indelible mark on the competition, proving that sometimes, the most powerful performances are the ones that come straight from the heart.
