"You just gotta scream!": American Idol fans react to Desmond Roberts's latest performance

American Idol Season 23 aired its latest episode on April 27, 2025, and the audience witnessed live performances of the remaining Top 14 artists. After voting, only 12 participants advanced, setting up the Top 12 stage.

The top 14 contestants included: Amanda Barise, Filo, Mattie Pruitt, Gabby Samone, Kolbi Jordan, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Desmond Roberts, Jamal Roberts, Canaan James Hill, Josh King, Thunderstorm Artis, Ché, and Slater Nalley.

The two participants who did not make it to the Top 12 were Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts. Some fans were sad on seeing these two artists not making it to the next phase of American Idol Season 23. Fans went to the social media platform X to share their sentiments over Desmond's performance and elimination.

A fan commented about Desmond's song choice on X:

"#Americanidol maybe Desmond sing an upbeat song. Oh maybe you can't. Cause you just gotta scream!I am over all that screaming."

Another fan reacted to Josh King advancing to the show's next phase while Desmond didn't:

"Josh King over Desmond?…Come on.. #AmericanIdol."

A netizen reacted to Desmond and Amanda's performances and eliminations:

"Such a great talented top group on American Idol! so much talent this season. Desmond and Amanda had such a great run on the show! Wish them both the best of luck!! #AmericanIdol."

Another fan reacted to Desmond's latest performance on American Idol Season 23:

"DESMOND ROBERTS singing JESUS IS LOVE on #AmericanIdol --- THE NAME OF JESUS, AGAIN, on national TV!"

A person wrote about audience voting and how some participants were chosen to advance in the show:

"Wow America really ? Yall picked Josh and thunder or Desmond?! Desmond the second best singer there #AmericanIdol."

An X user reacted to Desmond's elimination:

"Yup. Called it. And Che and Josh need to BRING it tomorrow. Will miss Desmond and Amanda. Good luck to them. #AmericanIdol."

A fan of Desmond Roberts shared on the platform:

"Desmond Roberts #AmericanIdol i dont care if you win lose or draw! Incredible voice!!!"

Another netizen commented about Desmond's "notes" on X:

"So far I really loved Mattie, her voice fit the song perfectly #AmericanIdol John was great in a fun way! Desmond has all the notes."

A fan wrote about Desmond Roberts:

"The american idol judges telling desmond to NOT GO OUT HIS COMFORT ZONE YALL NOW IS THE TIME TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE ??? AND HE ATE THAT UP YALL ARE JUST INTIMIDATED DONT PMO #AmericanIdol."

Another person wrote about Desmond's recent performance on the show:

"Desmond giving me the chills, so good! #AmericanIdol."

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American Idol Season 23: Desmond Roberts did not advance to the Top 12 as he faced elimination

In the latest American Idol Season 23 episode, the remaining 14 artists performed to get selected for the next phase — the Top 12. Among the participants, fans witnessed Desmond Roberts' live performance.

He performed Jesus is Love from the Commodores. Following his performance, Carrie Underwood told him he knew when the "energy" was needed to "kick in," and he did.

"I don't mind you singing the song, but you found some octaves I didn't sing. You tried to take my song!" said Lionel Richie.

Reacting to Lionel's comments, Luke said that Lionel didn't sing the song "like that" and that Desmond had a "dynamic voice." He also mentioned to "edit" his voice. When the Top 12 were revealed, Desmond Roberts did not make it to the next round. Along with him, Amanda Barise was also eliminated.

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Viewers can enjoy American Idol Season 23 episodes on Hulu.