Jamal Roberts delivered a captivating cover of “Liar” by Jelly Roll on American Idol for his Top 24 performance.
Jamal Roberts Performs Powerful Cover Of “Liar” By Jelly Roll
The 27-year-old, who is a Physical Education teacher at Crestwood Elementary, took the stage by storm at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Wearing a plum-colored vest and pants, Jamal Roberts went on to deliver a soulful rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” showcasing his newfound confidence and show-stopping stage presence.
“You ain’t nothin’ but a liar/ Yeah, I walk right out the fire/ Yeah, you try to keep me down/ Try to put me underground/ But I’m only going higher/ I can hear you in my head/ In my bed when I’m dreaming/ You try to be my friend/ But you’re blowing smoke/ Oh, and now, I ain’t scared of/ Tellin’ you where you can go/ ‘Cause I know, You’re nothing but a liar,” Roberts sang, belting out the lyrics to the chart-topping Jelly Roll track.
Earns Standing Ovation From Idol Judges
Jamal Roberts’ performance of Jelly Roll’s “Liar” earned a standing ovation from Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
“You took Mr. Roll’s song and beat it up! You exploded off of that stage to the point where I had to compose myself,” Richie told the Idol hopeful. “And if you had passed a collection plate, I would’ve given all the money. It was just amazing.”
Underwood quickly agreed and praised the Mississippi native. “You walk on stage, and you have this super chill, calm demeanor. Like you just seem so quiet and sweet, and then the music starts and something else takes over,” Underwood stated. “I think I saw every vein in your face and in your neck just popping out because you were just giving it everything that you have in here, and we could feel that. I mean, this crowd was blown away.”
Bryan praised Jelly Roll’s role as a mentor and “Artist In Residence” and applauded Roberts’ showmanship.
“I’m mad at Jelly Roll! He has over mentored. I don’t know if we ever had a better night in Hawaii with the talent. It’s been amazing. Especially what you just did,” Bryan gushed. “Every time you sing, you sing like it might be the last time that you ever sing, and that’s how you have to approach this business. You have to give it your all. You have to have that mentality, and you embody that, and it’s so fun to watch. I can’t take my eyes off you when you’re doing your deal, and that’s what entertaining is all about.”
Jelly Roll Gushes Over The Idol Contestant’s Performance
Jelly Roll praised Jamal Roberts, declaring that his delivery of the track was so impressive that he now owns the song.
“I would feel disrespectful to call this my song at this moment. This is now Jamal’s song. I was singing Jamal’s song tonight,” the genre-bending superstar told Roberts. “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. I love it!”
Following Jamal Roberts’ performance, he took to social media to express gratitude. “Man, tonight was powerful. Still can’t believe this happened! Performing at @DisneyAulani was an absolute dream come true,” Robert wrote on Instagram.
American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday at 8/7c on ABC. The show also streams live and on-demand on Hulu.
