Carrie Underwood knows the pressure of American Idol all too well — she won Season 4, after all — but some viewers believe she brought the wrong kind of heat during the latest Top 5 shows. Underwood is facing mounting criticism after her pointed critique of Jamal Roberts, a fan-favorite contestant whose performances this week were widely considered among the strongest of the season.
During Sunday’s live show, Roberts delivered a high-energy rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” earning a standing ovation from both the crowd and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Bryan praised his charisma and command, while Richie coined the term “Jamalerized” to describe Jamal’s ability to reinvent classics in his own soulful style.
Carrie Underwood? She stayed seated — and gave a critique that left fans fuming.
“I feel like you missed such an opportunity to move around and entertain,” she told him, suggesting his stage presence fell short. Her comment stood in stark contrast to the energy in the room, and with Roberts now the last Black contestant remaining, many viewers felt the moment struck a dissonant chord.
The situation only intensified after Jamal’s second performance — a deeply moving rendition of “Beauty and the Beast.” It brought the house down. Underwood, notably, had no comment at all.
Fans React: “Carrie Is Holding Jamal to a Different Standard”
Social media erupted in the aftermath. Viewers quickly pointed out that other contestants, many of whom also performed with minimal movement, weren’t held to the same standard.
“Carrie telling Jamal to move around when everyone else is standing still? Come on,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another wrote, “The hate was written on her face from the moment he stepped on stage.”
The criticism went beyond disappointment — it struck a nerve among viewers who felt Jamal was being unfairly judged, especially considering how vocally and emotionally powerful both his performances were.
Bria (@BriaMarieM18) summed up the sentiment: “Carrie on American Idol is a hater. Telling Jamal to move around on stage when the other fckin performers stood they ass in one spot as well.”
LaDawna (@LaDawna_writes) added: “#AmericanIdol folks have stood still all season and Carrie decides to tell Jamal to move around and dance. Annoying!”
A Question of Consistency — and Timing
To be fair, judges are expected to push contestants harder in the final rounds — especially when the stakes are sky-high. But fans demand consistency. With other performers praised for standing still and “letting the vocals shine,” Carrie’s remarks to Jamal felt off-key, even performative, to many watching at home.
More than just a critique, the moment has sparked broader discussions around bias and accountability on televised competitions — and the fine line judges must walk between constructive feedback and inadvertently singling someone out.
Jamal Moves On — and May Emerge Even Stronger
Despite the tension, Jamal Roberts isn’t going anywhere. He advanced to the Top 3 and continues to win fans over with his unmatched vocal control, musicality, and emotional resonance. If anything, this controversy may have strengthened his support heading into the finale.
Carrie Underwood has not publicly addressed the backlash, but there’s no question the spotlight will be even brighter next week — not just on Jamal, but on what she says next.
As the finale looms, one thing’s clear: American Idol is once again stirring conversation. And Jamal Roberts remains at the heart of it — for all the right reasons.
