Before becoming a fan favorite on season 23 of American Idol, Jamal Roberts faced rejection not once, but twice. The 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, didn’t let those early setbacks stop him. With a voice shaped by gospel roots and a heart full of determination, he’s now in the top 3 and closer than ever to achieving his lifelong dream. Click to read how Jamal turned ‘no’ into his biggest ‘yes’ yet