With a voice that bleeds soul and a presence that commands attention, Jamal Roberts stunned early listeners with a raw, mic-less rendition of Sam Cooke’s iconic “A Change Is Gonna Come”—long before he ever stepped onto the American Idol stage.
In an early performance that circulated online and quickly gained traction, the Meridian, Mississippi native delivered the timeless anthem without a microphone, relying solely on the strength of his voice and emotional delivery.
Watch his cover below.
Few artists dare to take on Cooke’s soul classic—and even fewer can do it justice. But Roberts didn’t just cover the song. He lived it. Each note carried weight, each phrase cracked with the ache of experience. It was an unfiltered reminder that real soul doesn’t need staging. It just needs truth.
Fast forward to American Idol Season 23, and Roberts continues to prove that early buzz was no fluke.
On Monday night, he cemented his place in the show’s Top 14 with a dynamic, high-energy performance of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.” The crowd was instantly electrified as Roberts lit up the stage with commanding movement, powerful vocals, and a stage presence that had all three judges dancing in their seats.
It was yet another highlight in a season filled with breakout moments. Following his standing ovation-worthy Top 20 performance of “Forever” by Jason Nelson, Roberts has only gained momentum, with fans and judges alike praising his versatility and emotional depth.
With his hometown of Meridian rallying behind him, Roberts now moves into the next live round of American Idol, poised to continue his ascent.
From bare-bones street performances to commanding a national stage, Jamal Roberts is a reminder that when talent is real, it doesn’t need bells and whistles. It just needs a chance to be heard.
