During an emotional episode of “American Idol” that featured seven tender Mother’s Day tributes, contestant Jamal Roberts chose to honor his late stepmother with her favorite song: “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.
“She loved when I’d sing this song,” he said, describing his stepmother, Tabitha. “She was the one that always supported my music. She always told me I would do great things — she’s the reason why I’m here.”
Sunday night’s episode offered the Top 7 “Idol” hopefuls two chances to impress viewers: first during a round of Disney song performances, and again when the singers each shared a Mother’s Day tribute. In the latter portion of the evening, Roberts shared that his stepmother died unexpectedly five years earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think about her a lot,” he said. “I’ll be thinking about her when I’m singing this song. This is just me keeping her name, her memories alive.”
Roberts’ suave and soulful rendition of the Sam Cooke classic earned him high marks from judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
“It’s been a minute since we heard you do good ol’ classic R&B,” Bryan said, applauding his song choice, while also noting Roberts’ on-point timing and delivery.
“I want to see your birth certificate, son,” Richie added. “Because there is no way you are feeling and demonstrating what you’re doing without being an old man.”
Roberts’ performance, coupled with his rendition of “Go the Distance” (from “Hercules”), helped him advance to the Top 5, who were revealed at the end of the episode.
Roberts will perform again Monday night in another Disney-themed round of the competition, where he and the other four contestants will perform songs by their favorite Disney heroes and villains. The following — and final — episode of Season 23 is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18.
