Watch Jelly Roll's Reaction To This Powerful Moment During 'Idol' Finale

Jelly Roll took the stage with American Idol’s Jamal Roberts on the show’s season finale on Sunday evening (May 18). The duo delivered moving renditions of Jelly Roll’s “Unpretty” and “Liar,” both of which appeared on the country star’s Beautifully Broken album. The reigning iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Artist of the Year released the record — and its 28-track deluxe edition — in October 2024.

Jelly Roll beamed as Roberts began singing during their finale performance. The “Save Me” superstar served as the first-ever artist in residence on American Idol this season, offering guidance and mentorship to the contestants throughout the competition. Earlier in the season, Roberts, a PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, delivered a cover of “Liar” that was so powerful, Jelly Roll said “that ain’t my song no more. …It would feel disrespectful to call this my song at this moment.

“This is now Jamal’s song,” Jelly Roll said of the performance that aired last month. “Man, I am blown away. 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.”

Roberts, who was a finalist alongside John Foster and Breanna Nix, also earned praise from the judges. Luke Bryan — who returned with Lionel Richie and 2005 Idol champ Carrie Underwood — said he was “mad at Jelly Roll. He has over-mentored. ...Every time you sing, you sing like it might be the last time 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.”

Watch Roberts’ performance with Jelly Roll here, and read on for a finale spoiler below.

Roberts celebrated with fellow American Idol finalists and returning contestants who competed this season when he won on Sunday evening. The newest Idol champion shared a heartfelt reaction as he posted a photo of his winning moment on Instagram.

“I’m still trying to process this… God is so good,” Roberts said. “From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.

“Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible. To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory,” he continued. “Now, I get to make music with the best in the world and share my story. But this isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart…. THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all.”