MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) – Jamal Roberts has made it to the top fourteen of American Idol.

Now that the competition is about halfway over, the Crestwood P.E. teacher says the pressure is wearing on him.

He wakes up early and spends hours a day with coaches and mentors learning material for Sunday and Monday’s live performances.

Despite the success he’s seen so far, he’s keeping a level head and taking things seriously.

“I don’t really know how to feel. I just know that I’ve been on a show before, and I know that I did well on that show, and I do know that it can take a turn for the worse. So right now, I don’t know how to feel. I’m just playing my part,“ said Roberts.

However, the support of his hometown is keeping him strong.

“It makes me feel good. It makes me feel loved. I can feel the love, and I can feel the support. I know they’ve got my back, so it makes everything better.”

Tune in Sunday at 7 p.m. on WTOK to support Jamal as his American Idol journey continues.

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