On the Top 7 episode of American Idol Season 23, rising star Jamal Roberts brought the audience to tears with a powerful and soul-stirring performance of Sam Cooke’s timeless classic, “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

This deeply emotional moment was made even more meaningful by the fact that Roberts dedicated the song to his late stepmother, who had always loved hearing him sing it.

Roberts shared that this song held a special place in his stepmother’s heart, and performing it without her in the audience was both heartbreaking and healing. His delivery was filled with raw emotion—every note a tribute, every lyric a memory.

As he stood under the spotlight, Roberts sang with a vulnerability that resonated far beyond the stage.

The performance became a moment of connection, loss, and love, leaving judges and fans visibly moved.

Viewers quickly took to social media, calling it one of the most powerful performances of the season. With this tribute, Roberts didn’t just prove his vocal talent—he shared his soul.