Music instructor Desmond Roberts is already accustomed to making the 120 mile commute from his home in Corona, California to his teaching job in Los Angeles. And after nailing his “American Idol” audition, Roberts will be driving back to L.A. soon — this time with a golden ticket in hand.
During Sunday night’s episode of the singing competition, Roberts impressed judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with an effortlessly powerful rendition of Benson Boone’s song “Beautiful Things.”
“You’re an incredible singer,” Bryan said. “We typically don’t turn away incredible singers.”
“You invented notes, I think,” Underwood joked.
The episode didn’t show the judges voting, and instead cut to Roberts leaving the room with a golden ticket.
“Is it cool is we stop by Hollywood on the way home?” he asked his loved ones.
“The teacher becomes the star!” host Ryan Seacrest observed.
Sunday night’s episode also showed Roberts’ students reacting to the good news, jumping and shouting with exuberance.
“To all my students, I hope this encourages you,” he said. “Hard work and effort really does pay off, you just have to keep pushing.”
