'American Idol': Meridian native Jamal Roberts soars through Hollywood Week elimination rounds

Jamal Roberts, a Meridian native, soared through "American Idol's" "Hollywood Week" performances Monday night, March 31, securing his spot as more than half of the 144 contestants were sent home.
Roberts, a 26-year-old P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary, passed audition rounds during last week's episode, officially joining "American Idol" season 23.
Monday night, Roberts stepped into the "Idol Arena" and wowed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood with a passionate performance of Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart."
A video package that played before the performance opens with Roberts casting a fishing line in his hometown.
"This is where I was born and raised," Roberts says in a voice over. "Everything is not peaches and cream. There's a lot of crime and all that going on. Things are getting worse. People are scared to even open up their mouth, because somebody's going to point a gun at them because they said the wrong thing. Some days you don't even want to come outside."
Roberts goes on to say the city has a lot of potential.
"It could be a whole lot better than what it is," Roberts says in the voice over. "So, I'm hoping that I can bring a little light to it."
Roberts also said he hopes he can inspire his students.
"I hope the kids sees me as an inspiration and learn to be themselves," he said. "With 'American Idol,' man, it's a dream. At one point in time, I never thought I was good enough. I'm hoping to shine a light and show people that if you keep pushing, keep doing the right thing, do good and good will always come back to you … God gave everybody a gift."
More on Roberts' American Idol journey: Meridian man wins golden ticket, joins 'American Idol' season 23. See his audition round
The judges and audience were visibly moved by Roberts' performance Monday night, giving the singer a standing ovation.
When Roberts first auditioned, the three judges were impressed, but said Roberts could use some more confidence. Monday night, he showed them that extra confidence and then some.
"Somewhere between the last time we heard you and now, God has anointed you with something so fantastic," Richie said after Roberts performed. "That was a brilliant performance."
Roberts is one of more than 60 contestants moving forward on "American Idol" season 23.
If you want to follow along with Roberts' journey, episodes air Sunday and Monday nights at 7 Central and on Hulu the following day.
See inside: Germantown High School performing arts center opens, completes $44 million project
Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Meridian native Jamal Roberts makes American Idol Top 24

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