It’s not easy to perform a Jelly Roll song in front of the artist himself, but Jamal Roberts proved he was up for the challenge.
The 27-year-old American Idol contestant performed the country superstar’s “Liar” during Sunday night’s (April 13) episode at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawaii. Roberts commanded the stage, delivering flawless vocals that was met by a standing ovation from judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. “You took Mr. Roll’s song and beat it up!” Richie told the Mississippi native. “You exploded off of that stage to the point where I had to compose myself.”
Underwood agreed, adding, “You walk on stage and you have this super chill, calm demeanor. You just seem so quiet and sweet, and then the music starts and something else takes over. I think I saw every vein in your face and in your neck just popping out because you were just giving it everything you have.”
The biggest compliment came from Jelly Roll himself, who is serving as the series’ first-ever artist-in-residence. “I would feel disrespectful to call this my song at this moment,” he told Roberts. “This is now Jamal’s song. I was singing Jamal’s song tonight. Man, I am blown away by everything about him — his story, his testimony, his love for his children, his community, his city — but most importantly I love his voice.”
Watch Roberts’ full performance below. Catch American Idol every Sunday and Monday on ABC, as well as streaming on Hulu.
