American Idol finalist Jamal Roberts has now advanced to the finale in the Top 3, and there are many clues that he’ll win the whole competition. Jamal, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, wowed the judges–Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan–at his audition with his powerful rendition of “Mary Jane” by Rick James. He received three votes of yes and a golden ticket to Hollywood.
During American Idol season 23 Disney Heroes & Villains Night, the Top 5 contestants–Jamal, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Slater Nalley, and Thunderstorm Artis–competed for their spots in the finale. In the end, Jamal, Breanna, and John earned the most votes from America, and they advanced to the Top 3. As they prepare to compete in the American Idol season 23 finale, here’s why Jamal will be crowned the champion.
Jamal Can Sing Any Genre
Jamal is one of those rare American Idol contestants who can’t really be put into any box. He started out seeming to be an R&B and soul singer, but he’s also mastered the gospel and even country genre on the show. After his audition with “Mary Jane,” Jamal took Hollywood by storm with his sensational performances, including “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton (Idol Arena), “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton (Showstoppers), and “The Door” by Teddy Swims (Head-to-Head round duet with Desmond Roberts). All of these songs proved his versatility as an artist, and it was no surprise when the judges chose him to be a member of the Top 24.
During the American Idol season 23 voting rounds, Jamal continued to showcase his magnificent vocals with his performances of “Liar” by Jelly Roll (Top 24), “Forever” by Jason Nelson (Top 20), “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding (Top 20 celebration song), “Shout” by the Isley Brothers (Top 14), “Heal” by Tom Odell (Top 12), “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood (Top 10), “I Believe” by Fantasia Barrino (Top 8), “Go the Distance” from Hercules and “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke (Top 7), and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and “Beauty and the Beast” from the film of the same name (Top 5).
Jamal’s ability to jump from a spiritual gospel song like “Forever” to an R&B classic like “Try a Little Tenderness” to crowd-pleaser like “Shout” to a sassy country song like “Undo It” to a heartfelt ballad like “Beauty and the Beast” proves that he can sing anything. The best part is that he doesn’t lose himself when he changes genres. Instead, he makes the songs his own by infusing them with his own special magic. Jamal is simply spectacular, which is why he’ll win American Idol season 23.
Jamal Already Looks Like A Professional Singer
Jamal Has Incredible Stage Presence
When Jamal takes the stage, he brings the American Idol competition to another level. He already looks like a professional singer, and his performances feel more like his own concert than a segment on a reality TV show. Jamal has incredible stage presence, and is somehow sincerely humble and boldly confident all at the same time. He’s always poised and polished, and he makes performing look easy, even though he’s clearly put a lot of time and effort into every note and movement.
Jamal will win American Idol because he already looks the part. He always has the audience in the palm of his hand, and he knows how to work the crowd. This is why he’s been able to secure enough votes every week to get into the finale. Jamal is not only a gifted singer, but he has phenomenal stage presence and star quality, which has made America fall in love with him. It’s just so easy to root for him, which is why he’ll win.
Jamal Is Passionate About His Singing
Jamal Loves What He Does
Jamal will win American Idol season 23 because it’s obvious that he’s passionate about his singing. This is because he’s competing on the show not only for himself, but for his three daughters, one of whom was born right before the Top 7 episode of the show. Before his Hollywood Week Idol Arena performance of “Her Heart,” Jamal spoke about how he was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, where there’s a lot of crime, and it’s getting worse. He said that he knew that it could be better, and he wanted to bring light to it.
As a physical education teacher, Jamal hopes that his students see him as an inspiration and learn to be themselves because of his journey. Jamal wants to prove to people that if they do good things, then good things will come to them. He believes that God gave everybody a gift. Jamal will win American Idol season 23 because he sees the show as a way to fulfill a higher purpose in life, and people relate to that.
Jamal Brings Something Unique To American Idol
There’s No One Else Like Jamal
From the moment Jamal auditioned for American Idol, it was obvious that he was going to bring something unique to the show, and he’s been so refreshing to watch. In a sea of country singers and balladeers, Jamal has stood out as a genre-defying powerhouse who’s always surprising the audience. One of his most stunning performances was “Heal,” when he sat in a chair and exuded so much emotion that he transcended the competition. Jamal’s powerful pause at the end of the song allowed everyone a few seconds to realize what they’d just witnessed.
Jamal has also proved that he’s an amazing entertainer. During “Shout,” he worked the whole stage, including the catwalk, dancing and touching hands with the audience, and getting everyone up on their feet. When he sings upbeat songs, he brings so much energy that people can’t help but jump up from their seats. Jamal is able to connect with people on so many levels through different genres of music, which is why viewers will choose him to be the next American Idol.
In the past 22 seasons of American Idol winners, there hasn’t been anyone like Jamal. Although the winners–Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, Trent Harmon, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam, Chayce Beckham, Noah Thompson, Iam Tongi, and Abi Carter–have all been incredibly talented, Jamal brings something new and different to the show, and it’s time for a winner like him.
American Idol season 23 has been overflowing with extraordinary talent since the auditions, but Jamal has always been the standout. There’s been no one like him on the show in a very long time, and he deserves to win. Whether he’s bringing the audience to tears with an emotional ballad or dancing the night away with an upbeat tune, he always captivates everyone because he’s a truly gifted artist. Jamal will win American Idol season 23.
The American Idol season 23 finale airs Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: American Idol/YouTube, American Idol/YouTube, RemasterKingdom4K/YouTube, American Idol/YouTube