"American Idol": Meridian native Jamal Roberts makes Top 8. See his performance here
Last week, the 27-year-old Crestwood Elementary P.E. teacher became the sixth Mississippian in the show's history to break the Top 10.
Sunday night, May 4, Roberts earned his spot in the Top 8 with a passionate rendition of Carrie Underwood's "Undo It."
Roberts started his "American Idol" journey when he won a golden ticket singing "Mary Jane" by Rick James in audition rounds.
In the weeks since his audition round aired, Roberts has traveled throughout the U.S. with his fellow contestants, eluding elimination rounds with his raw, soulful performances.
In the first few weeks of elimination rounds, judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood held the power to decide who stayed and who went home.
The power shifted into audiences' hands once the contestants were down to the Top 24. Roberts has proved to be an audience favorite, making it into the Top 20, then the Top 14, then the Top 10 and now, the Top 8.
If you want to cast your vote for Roberts, you can text during the episode using Roberts' code, which will appear on screen as he performs. Vote through the "American Idol" app or vote through the "American Idol" website.
Here is the Top 8 of "American Idol" Season 23, in no particular order:
Thunderstorm Artis
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt
Breanna Nix
Jamal Roberts
Slater Nalley
Gabby Samone
Josh King
Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan did not receive enough votes and were sent home.
If you want to follow along with Roberts' journey, episodes air Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. CST and on Hulu the following day.
Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jamal American Idol Top 8
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