Jamal Roberts was not just another contestant on American Idol; he was a remarkable transformation from a gym teacher to a true artist. On the decisive night, he stunned the entire audience by performing Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” with a completely fresh, vibrant twist.
The original song by Carrie Underwood is already powerful, but Jamal breathed new life into it. He didn’t just sing; he infused the song with his own unique style, blending country-rock with elements of soul and rhythm & blues. With his powerful voice and confident stage presence, Jamal highlighted every lyric, taking the audience into a deep emotional experience while keeping the energy upbeat and lively.
Unlike the original, which is marked by bold defiance and clear-cut emotion, Jamal brought a softer yet equally fierce version of the song, with impressive high notes and funky, groovy sections. His play with rhythm and the creative additions to the arrangement made the song feel reborn. The freshness and unexpected elements he introduced made it impossible to look away from his performance.
When the final note was hit, the room erupted with energy. The judges were impressed, expressing excitement over Jamal’s creativity. Lionel Richie praised him, commenting that he has “a very unique voice and amazing storytelling ability” — something Jamal showcased brilliantly in this performance. Jamal didn’t just sing; he told a story, and in doing so, he made “Undo It” entirely his own.
This performance not only secured Jamal’s spot in the Top 8, but also showed that he’s an artist capable of transforming any song and leaving his personal mark. Jamal proved that he’s not just a gym teacher, but a rising star in the music world.
