“This One’s For You, Mama.” With His Eyes Closed And Heart Wide Open, Jamal Roberts Turned The American Idol Stage Into A Church Of Grief, Grace, And Glory. Singing Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” He Poured Every Ounce Of Love Into A Tribute For The Stepmother Who Raised Him — But Whose Empty Seat Said Everything. Each Note Was A Prayer. Each Word, A Goodbye. The Audience Sat Frozen In Silence Until The Final Note Rang Out—Then Rose In A Roar Of Applause And Tears. Even Lionel Richie Whispered: “That Wasn’t A Song… That Was A Resurrection.”
In one of the most moving moments of American Idol Season 23, contestant Jamal Roberts stepped onto the stage during the Top 7 episode and delivered a breathtaking rendition of Sam Cooke’s civil rights anthem, “A Change Is Gonna...
