“American Idol” contestant Jamal Roberts hasn’t been stopped. The Meridian native is now officially in the Top 12 of Season 23.

Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher at Crestwood Elementary, started his “American Idol” journey when he won a golden ticket singing “Mary Jane” by Rick James in audition rounds.

In the weeks since his audition round aired, Roberts has traveled throughout the U.S. with his fellow contestants, eluding elimination rounds with his raw, soulful performances.

The charismatic singer earned his Top 12 spot Sunday night, April 27 with a captivating performance of “Shout.” Roberts’ daughters, Lyrik and Harmoni, sat in the front row and joined their dad on stage after the performance.

In the first few weeks of elimination rounds, judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood held the power to decide who stayed and who went home.

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The power shifted into audiences hands once the contestants were down to the Top 24. Roberts has proven to be an audience favorite, making it into the Top 20, then the Top 14 and now, the Top 12.

Sunday night, Desmond Roberts and Amanda Barise did not receive enough votes and were sent home.

How can I vote for Jamal?

If you want to cast your vote for Roberts, you can text during the episode using Roberts’ code, which will appear on screen as he performs, vote through the “American Idol” app or vote through the “American Idol” website.

Who else is in the Top 12?

Here are the Top 12 of “American Idol” Season 23:

• Kolbi Jordan
• Thunderstorm Artis
• Filo
• John Foster
• Mattie Pruitt
• Canaan James Hill
• Breanna Nix
• Jamal Roberts
• Slater Nalley
• Gabby Samone
• Josh King
• Ché

When does ‘American Idol’ come on?

Roberts will perform again Monday night, April 28.

If you want to follow along with Roberts’ journey, episodes air Sunday and Monday nights at 7 p.m. CST and on Hulu the following day.

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at [email protected]