Before he became a standout on American Idol, Jamal Roberts had already proven he had the kind of voice that stops people in their tracks.
In a jaw-dropping performance that’s still making waves online, Roberts sang a mesmerizing cover of “Residuals” — and it was all raw vocals, no auto-tune, just pure talent. From start to finish, his voice soared with soul, control, and emotion, hitting every note with intention and grace.
Fans couldn’t get enough. The comment sections lit up with praise, many calling it “goosebumps-inducing” and begging for a full version. One fan summed it up perfectly: “He killed it. This man needs a record deal.”
Watch his cover below.
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And now, he’s getting his shot. Jamal has made it into the top 14 on American Idol, balancing the pressure of live national TV with the determination that got him this far.
By day, he’s a P.E. teacher at Crestwood. But behind the mic, Jamal Roberts becomes something bigger — an artist with undeniable stage presence and heart.
“I don’t really know how to feel,” he shared in a recent interview. “I just know that I’ve been on a show before, and I know that I did well on that show, and I do know that it can take a turn for the worse. So right now, I don’t know how to feel. I’m just playing my part.”
Despite the whirlwind, Jamal’s staying grounded. He wakes up early, works with vocal coaches and mentors, and prepares for every performance like it could be his last. What fuels him? The love from home.
“It makes me feel good. It makes me feel loved. I can feel the love, and I can feel the support. I know they’ve got my back, so it makes everything better,” he said.
If his “Residuals” cover is any sign of what’s to come, Roberts is just getting started. And fans — both old and new — are all in.
