Season 23 of American Idol is heating up as the Top 24 contestants perform for America’s votes for the first time. Sunday night’s episode took place at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, where the first 12 hopefuls sang in front of a live audience. The singers were mentored by stars Ashanti and Jelly Roll, and each contestant chose their own song to perform.
One of the standout performers was Jamal Roberts, a school teacher from Mississippi and a proud father of two. Jamal first impressed the judges during his audition with a smooth performance of “Mary Jane.” Lionel Richie praised his storytelling, and Luke Bryan said Jamal’s voice had Southern soul and deep emotion.
Those same qualities helped Jamal shine during Hollywood Week, where he performed songs by Teddy Swims and Chris Stapleton. His strong vocals and heartfelt delivery earned him a well-deserved spot in the Top 24.
For his big performance in Hawaii, Jamal chose to sing “Liar,” a song by Jelly Roll released in 2024 from his album Beautifully Broken. The song, which became a fan favorite after Jelly Roll performed it at the ACM Awards, carries a powerful message about inner struggles and overcoming addiction.
Before going on stage, Jamal shared his mission with mentors Ashanti and Jelly Roll: “I want to show the young fellas that you don’t need a gun or drugs to be somebody. You can chase your dreams and be a better person.”
That message came through loud and clear in his performance. Jamal’s emotional delivery moved Jelly Roll to tears. “That wasn’t a performance,” Jelly Roll told him. “You were testifying. You can’t teach what you just did. I am your champion—you’re representing people who don’t always get seen or heard.”
The judges were just as amazed. Lionel Richie said, “If you had passed the collection plate, I would have given all my money.” Carrie Underwood called the performance “a possession,” and Luke Bryan added, “You sing like it’s your last time every time, and that’s exactly how it should be.”
Jamal’s performance of “Liar” was one of the most powerful of the night. Be sure to watch the full video below—and don’t miss Monday night’s episode (April 14) to see if Jamal makes it into the Top 20!
