During Monday night’s episode of “American Idol,” judge Lionel Richie marveled that Jamal Roberts successfully turned the “Beauty and the Beast” theme into an R&B song. But before the performance, the Mississippi contestant wasn’t feeling so confident in his abilities.

From the beginning, American Idol Season 23 seemed destined to crown a country singer—especially with Carrie Underwood joining the judging panel and a contestant pool heavy on twang and tradition. But while the season showcased several strong country artists,

Jamal Roberts became the first African American man to win the singing competition since Ruben Studdard in 2003