Before his rise to fame on American Idol, Jamal Roberts had already made a name for himself with his remarkable voice and raw emotion.
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One of his most impressive performances came before his time on the show, where he delivered a soulful cover of Tyrese Gibson’s classic hit “Stay.” Instead of merely imitating the original, Roberts made the song his own, surpassing all expectations with his natural, soulful R&B voice.
Watch his cover below.
From the moment he began, Roberts showcased his powerful vocal range and emotional depth, capturing the true essence of the song while adding his unique style. His performance wasn’t just a cover — it was a heartfelt, personal interpretation that resonated deeply with the audience.
Though many artists have covered Tyrese’s “Stay,” Roberts’ version stood out for its authenticity and emotional delivery, leaving listeners thoroughly impressed.
Jamal Roberts continues to impress with his exceptional talent.
The rising star from Meridian, Mississippi, recently celebrated securing a spot in the Top 14 of American Idol with a high-energy performance of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.” Known for his gospel roots and magnetic stage presence, Roberts brought the crowd to life with his commanding vocals and confident stage movement.
His performance earned praise from all three judges, who couldn’t help but dance along to his soulful rendition. It’s clear that Roberts is a force to be reckoned with, and his growing fanbase — especially in his hometown of Meridian — continues to support him every step of the way.
After his Top 20 performance of “Forever” by Jason Nelson, which earned him a standing ovation, Roberts further cemented his status as one of American Idol’s breakout talents. With votes from viewers, he secured enough support to move forward in the competition, and now, he’s setting his sights on the next round.
As the next live episode of American Idol approaches, Roberts will continue to compete for a spot in the next round, but his soulful rendition of “Stay” proves that he’s already a star on the rise.