American Idol Season 23 Auditions: Desmond Roberts Captivates Judges and Fans Alike
The latest episode of American Idol, which aired on March 23, 2025, showcased a new group of hopefuls competing for a coveted spot in Hollywood. Among the standout performances was that of Desmond Roberts, a talented 26-year-old music teacher from Corona, California. His remarkable rendition of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”earned him unanimous acclaim from the judges and a direct pass to Hollywood Week.
Desmond’s Inspiring Journey
Desmond, who teaches at the School of Rock in Los Angeles, shared insights about his passion for working with young musicians, despite the challenges posed by a lengthy daily commute. His dedication to music and education shines through his commitment to nurturing talent, making his audition even more meaningful.
A Memorable Performance
Sitting confidently at the piano, Desmond impressed the judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—with a soulful rendition of the popular song. His unique interpretation highlighted his vocal range and artistry, drawing immediate praise from the judges for his exceptional abilities. The audience on X also resonated with his performance, with fans expressing optimism about his chances in the competition.
“Desmond has a beautiful voice. I could see him in the top 10,”a fan wrote.
“Impressed with Desmond!!”another fan commented.
“I don’t usually get emotional while watching these kinda shows, BUT Desmond showing his golden ticket to his School of Rock students really warmed my heart,”a netizen tweeted.
Across social media platforms, Desmond’s stunning voice and touching story resonated with many, further elevating his profile among viewers.
“Desmond Roberts really did just invent notes! WOW!”a user remarked.
“That was an amazing performance by Desmond Roberts,”another comment stated.
“I really like Desmond,”a fan added.
“I’m feeling Nina Daig. Desmond Roberts is pretty dang great too. Ones to definitely look out for,”a user posted.
Judges’ Praise for Desmond’s Talent
As Desmond delivered his emotionally charged performance, he transitioned smoothly from soft runs to powerful high notes. The judges were visibly impressed, and Carrie Underwood remarked:
“I’m unpacking. There’s a lot to unpack in a really good way. You invented notes, I think.”
Additional feedback came from Lionel Richie, who admitted he was still processing the impressive audition, while Luke Bryan expressed his admiration:
“You’re an incredible singer. Incredible.”
After unanimous agreement, the judges awarded Desmond three yeses, effectively securing his advancement to Hollywood Week.
As he left the audition room, Desmond joyfully turned to his students, asking
“Is it cool if I stop by Hollywood on the way?”
His students erupted in cheers, celebrating his achievement as he waved his ticket to Hollywood.
While Desmond’s audition was a highlight, numerous others also took the stage in hopes of impressing the judges. Unfortunately, not all received the same fortune, with contestants such as Calen Davis Santos, Phoebe White, Caroline Woodfill, and Mae Mae failing to advance.
Watch American Idol Each Week
Join avid fans every Sunday at 8 PM ET for fresh episodes of American Idol, exclusively on ABC. With each passing week, viewers can anticipate new talents and unforgettable performances that showcase the vibrant landscape of aspiring musicians across the country.