When Jamal Roberts walked on stage for his Top 3 performance on American Idol 2025, he didn’t just sing—he told a story. One about love, dreams, and finally arriving at the place he prayed and cried for. His choice of “First Time” was personal. He’d once posted a short clip of it on TikTok. Now, he was delivering the full version—live, powerful, and heart-wrenching.
From the opening lines “Finally, we here now…” Jamal’s performance gave goosebumps. His voice, smooth as velvet, carried the weight of his journey—from a Mississippi PE teacher to a national star. Every lyric felt like it came from deep within. When he sang, “I prayed for you, I cried for you…” it wasn’t just about a person. It was about this moment.
Jamal Roberts First Time Full Performance | American Idol 2025 Final Top 3
Lionel Richie called it “brilliant.” Katy Perry said it felt like a love letter to America. And Luke Bryan? He just wanted to learn how to be that smooth. The crowd stood. The cameras caught tears. And fans online exploded with praise. “That wasn’t a performance—it was a prayer,” one viewer commented.
If First Time moved you, check out his “Heal” performance—a Tom Odell cover that the original artist said made him cry. That’s how powerful Jamal is.
Jamal Roberts Heal Full Performance | American Idol 2025 Top 12
People say Jamal doesn’t just sing songs—he becomes them. That’s why viewers keep calling him “the most real, soulful voice American Idol has seen in years.”
Jamal stays grounded and active on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where he shares moments with his daughters, his Meridian hometown, and behind-the-scenes clips that keep fans close.