ABC’s American Idol wrapped up its 23rd season on Sunday with a dramatic three-hour finale that saw Jamal Roberts crowned the winner. But it wasn’t just the victory that had fans talking—it was Carrie Underwood’s reaction that stirred controversy online.
A Night of High Stakes and Big Emotions
The finale featured the final three contestants—Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts—after the previous week’s elimination of Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis. Throughout the night, each finalist delivered powerful performances, joined by musical guests like Jessica Simpson, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban, Salt-N-Pepa, and Season 23 mentor Jelly Roll.
Breanna Nix was the first to be eliminated during the opening hour after receiving the fewest votes. That left Roberts and Foster as the final two, awaiting the results of a record-breaking 26 million votes, more than double last year’s total.
Jamal Roberts Crowned Winner
Ultimately, Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old elementary school teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, was named the Season 23 champion. The moment was emotional, with all three judges—Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—applauding and giving Roberts a standing ovation.
However, when Roberts performed Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” as his final victory song, viewers noticed something odd—Underwood sat down while Richie and Bryan remained standing.
Fan Reactions: “Carrie Was Hating”
The gesture immediately drew attention and criticism from fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment. Many accused Underwood of being unsupportive or showing favoritism.
“Not Carrie Underwood sitting down and probably being told to stand up when Jamal won,” wrote one viewer.
“Carrie hating until the very end I see. CONGRATULATIONS JAMAL!!!” added another.
“Me watching Carrie Underwood hating self when Jamal won American Idol,” wrote another fan, alongside a screenshot of the moment.
Others pointed to Underwood’s past critiques of Jamal during the competition. Last week, she told him to “move around and entertain,” a comment that many fans felt was unfair—especially since other contestants gave equally stationary performances but weren’t criticized in the same way.
Calls for Carrie’s Removal
The controversy has sparked a wave of calls for Underwood to be removed from the judge’s panel next season.
“Carrie had a lot to say about Jamal Roberts… now look who’s holding the crown. Mississippi stays producing greatness,” one viewer posted.
“I was going to say something about Carrie but Jamal won, so that’s all I care about now… forget Carrie,” added another.
The finale also marks the end of Underwood’s first season as a judge, coming exactly 20 years after she won American Idol herself in Season 4. While many were excited to see her return in a new role, her conduct in the final moments of the season has left fans divided.
