Jamal Roberts Returns to ‘American Idol’ in Velvet Suit, Delivers ‘Perfect for Me’

Key facts

• Jamal Roberts won season 23 of American Idol with a record-setting 26 million votes.
• Roberts returned to the show on May 4, performing his single 'Perfect for Me' in a velvet suit.
• His debut single 'Heal' reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song charts.
• Roberts received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for the live version of 'Still' with Jonathan McReynolds.
• He opened for Brandy and Monica on their sold-out The Boy Is Mine Tour.
• The Top 5 finalists are Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, and Chris Tungseth.
• Original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson returned to mentor the Top 5; Abdul also joined the judges' panel.
• Alicia Keys will serve as guest mentor for the finale and perform twice, including with the Top 3.

A Champion’s Return

Jamal Roberts, the most recent winner of American Idol, stepped back onto the stage on May 4, delivering a performance that reaffirmed why he claimed the title. Dressed in a velvet suit, he sang his latest single, “Perfect for Me,” to a live audience. The appearance came as the show prepares to crown its season 24 winner on May 11.

Record-Breaking Victory and Post-Show Success

Roberts won season 23 of American Idol with an unprecedented 26 million votes, a record for the competition. Since then, his debut single “Heal” topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song charts. He also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for the live version of “Still,” a collaboration with Jonathan McReynolds. Additionally, Roberts opened for Brandy and Monica on their sold-out The Boy Is Mine Tour.

The Road to the Finale: Top 5 and Reunion Episode

The show has narrowed its season 24 field to five finalists: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, and Chris Tungseth. In a recent episode celebrating the 20-year reunion of season 5, former winner Taylor Hicks and finalists Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, and Elliott Yamin performed duets with the remaining hopefuls. The episode also featured the return of original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, who mentored the Top 5. Abdul joined current judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood at the judges’ table.

America Votes for the Top 3

Viewers are voting live to determine the Top 3 contestants, who will compete in the season finale on May 11. The three-hour broadcast will include a special appearance by Alicia Keys, who will serve as a guest mentor. Keys will perform twice, once alongside the Top 3, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Songs in A Minor.

Randy Jackson’s Return and Louisiana Connections

Randy Jackson, a longtime Idol judge from Baton Rouge, returned to the show for the first time in over a decade. The 69-year-old record producer and musician, who played bass for bands including Journey and worked with artists such as Madonna and Bruce Springsteen, mentored the Top 5 alongside Abdul. Louisiana has a history with Idol: last season’s runner-up, John Foster of Addis, performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, while Laine Hardy of Livingston won the title in 2019.

What Lies Ahead for the Finalists

The Top 3 finalists will advance to the finale, where they will perform for the Idol title. The episode will also feature a mashup with Dancing With the Stars professionals dancing alongside the contestants’ performances. The winner will be revealed at the end of the broadcast, continuing the show’s legacy of launching music careers.

A Season of Nostalgia and New Talent

This season has blended nostalgia with fresh competition, bringing back original judges and past contestants while showcasing a new generation of singers. Roberts’ return underscores the show’s enduring influence, as past winners continue to achieve commercial and critical success. With the finale approaching, the stakes are high for the remaining hopefuls, who vie for a platform that has launched careers from Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood.

The bottom line

• Jamal Roberts returned to American Idol on May 4, performing 'Perfect for Me' in a velvet suit, reminding viewers of his record-setting win.
• Roberts’ debut single 'Heal' hit No. 1 on Billboard gospel charts, and he earned a Grammy nomination for 'Still' with Jonathan McReynolds.
• The Top 5 finalists for season 24 are Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, and Chris Tungseth.
• Original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson mentored the Top 5; Abdul also joined the current judges' panel.
• Alicia Keys will mentor the Top 3 and perform twice during the May 11 finale, celebrating 20 years of Songs in A Minor.
• Louisiana has strong Idol ties: runner-up John Foster and winner Laine Hardy continue to perform and release music.