“American Idol” is down to the final three contestants for Season 23 where one will be named winner when the show airs live on Sunday, May 19 on ABC. And then there were three, Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster.

For Roberts, an elementary school teacher from Meridian Mississippi, is trying to remain level headed through the competition that traveled coast-to-coast in search of the next star.

“I don’t really know how to feel,” Roberts told his local hometown station WTOK  in Gulfport- Biloxi. “I just know that I’ve been on [Sunday Best] 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.“

Smooth! Jamal Roberts Brings Soul to Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” | American Idol 2025

The soulful Gospel singer will compete in the finale and has learned to much about himself to his time on the show. As far as how to pick songs, Roberts tries to keep it simple. “Stay in your lane,” Roberts told TVMusic Network in an interview backstage after the May 5 show.

As far as what he’s learned about himself during his time on the show.  “I learned that i got  some levels that I haven’t reached yet, and if I continue to do what I’m doing and continue to push myself to my full potential, I’ m going to see those levels pretty soon.”

For Mother’s Day, the 27-year-old dedicated his song to his stepmom, “A Change is Gonna Come,” by Sam Cooke which was her favorite song.  “I think I’m dedicating my song to my stepmom that passed during COVID,” Roberts said. “She was the one who raised me, and it’s been hard for me. I don’t think I quite grieved the right way, because during COVID there was so much going on. I think I just want to take the time in that spot to acknowledge her, because she she is the reason why I’m here. She is the reason why I kept pushing. She is the reason why I didn’t give up. So I would like to dedicate the song that I choose to her. [She was a]… very special woman.  So much joy, so much passion, so much love. She didn’t have kids in her home, but she treated me just like I was hers. So I really appreciate her. I miss her, and I really loved her.”

Jamal Roberts Honors Legacy and Love with “A Change Is Gonna Come” | Mother’s Day on American Idol

In one of his more memorable performances, Roberts sang “Heal” by Tom Odell. With his performance, he received enthusiastic praise in  the form of a standing ovation from judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. Lionel called the performance “Devine.”

On Sunday, May 18, it’s the grand finale! The Top 3, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix, will give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars. Then, this year’s “American Idol” winner is revealed live.
The show will air live coast-to-coast at 8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/7:00-10:00 p.m. CDT/6:00-9:00 p.m. MDT/5:00-8:00 p.m. PDT