Jamal Roberts Brings American Idol Finale to Tears With Soul-Stirring “First Time” Performance

American Idol Season 23 finalist Jamal Roberts left the audience breathless with a powerful and emotional rendition of TEEKS’ “First Time”—delivering what many are calling the most vulnerable performance of the entire season.

On a night filled with emotional tributes and unforgettable vocals, it was Jamal Roberts, the 22-year-old Atlanta native, who silenced the American Idol stage and touched the hearts of millions. As one of the final three contestants, Roberts poured his soul into the mic, offering a performance that transcended competition and became a defining artistic statement.

Performing TEEKS’ haunting ballad “First Time,” Roberts stood alone under a single spotlight, his voice rich with emotion and raw honesty. Dressed in a simple navy suit and bathed in soft lighting, he turned the Idol stage into a place of quiet reflection—commanding the room not with volume, but with vulnerability.

“This isn’t just a song to me,” Roberts shared in a backstage interview. “It reflects my journey—my struggles, my breakthroughs, and everything I’ve fought for. Singing it tonight was like finding closure.”

TEEKS’ “First Time” is known for its subtle instrumentation and emotional weight—a challenging choice for a high-stakes finale. But Roberts embraced the risk. His falsetto glided effortlessly across delicate verses, while every lyric landed with precision and sincerity. What made the performance unforgettable wasn’t just his voice—it was the deep, soul-baring connection he forged with every line.

The judges were visibly moved.

• Lionel Richie, nearly speechless, said: “You brought silence to this room in the most powerful way. That wasn’t a performance—it was a spiritual moment.”
• Luke Bryan called it “an emotionally mature masterpiece.”
• Carrie Underwood, visibly emotional, praised his “vocal control, depth, and authenticity that’s rare even among seasoned professionals.”

The impact was immediate. Social media erupted, with hashtags like #JamalRoberts and #FirstTime climbing the charts within minutes. Viewers described the performance as “healing,” “transcendent,” and “one of Idol’s most unforgettable moments.”

Though the final vote would determine the winner of American Idol 2025, it was clear: Jamal Roberts had already won something greater—the hearts of an audience who witnessed the birth of a true artist.

Whether or not he takes home the crown, Roberts’ emotionally charged finale performance has positioned him as one of the most promising vocalists of his generation. His ability to merge technical excellence with deep emotional storytelling has set a new benchmark for what a moment on the Idol stage can mean.

Watch his performance below.

In a world full of noise, Jamal Roberts proved that sometimes, the softest voice says the most.