Jamal Roberts Delivers Soul-Stirring “Go the Distance” on Disney Night — American Idol 2025 Top 7

With unmatched passion and purpose, Jamal Roberts brought the house down during Disney Night on American Idol 2025 with his emotional performance of “Go the Distance.”

Jamal Roberts, the 27-year-old father of three, took center stage during the Top 7 episode of American Idol 2025 and delivered a performance that many are calling one of the most powerful of the season. Singing “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Hercules, Roberts fused vocal excellence, raw emotion, and deep personal meaning into a breathtaking performance that earned a standing ovation from all three judges.

Clad in a shimmering, iridescent suit and returning from a heartfelt family visit to Disneyland, Roberts performed as if it were his last moment on the Idol stage. His soulful tone, impeccable control, and natural R&B finesse elevated the performance into something far greater than just a Top 7 showcase — it became a message of love, fatherhood, and perseverance.

“You always find a way to fit yourself into every song… you make it look easy,” said Carrie Underwood.

Throughout the performance, Roberts emotionally connected with the lyrics, comparing his own journey to that of Hercules: strong but human, bold yet vulnerable. His soaring vocals told a story not just to the crowd, but directly to his daughters — a musical love letter from a father who refuses to give up.

Luke Bryan commended his instincts, saying that Roberts needs little direction because of his innate ability to elevate a song. When Ryan Seacrest pointed out Lionel Richie’s beaming reaction, Richie responded:

“There’s something so old school about you… I feel like I’m watching Otis Redding.”

Whether you tuned in as a Disney fan, a fellow parent, or a lover of authentic talent, Jamal Roberts’ performance of “Go the Distance” stood out as a defining moment of American Idol Season 23.

About Disney Night – American Idol 2025

For the first time in Idol history, back-to-back Disney Nights aired live coast-to-coast on May 11 and 12, 2025. The Top 7 contestants performed Disney classics after enjoying time at Disneyland with their families. Voting opened during the broadcast and stayed live for under two hours, culminating in the announcement of the Top 5 finalists moving on to the grand finale.

The episode featured live feedback from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, with Ryan Seacrest revealing the next round of results.