Jamal Roberts may have won American Idol Season 23, but the finale wasn’t without controversy—especially surrounding one judge’s reaction.
On May 18, the 27-year-old Mississippi native and physical education teacher was crowned the newest American Idol champion, becoming the first Black male winner in over two decades. The audience erupted. Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan leapt to their feet in celebration.
Carrie Underwood? She stayed seated.
Fans Call Out Carrie’s Finale Energy
The moment wasn’t lost on millions watching live or online. Social media quickly lit up, with many fans accusing Underwood of showing visible bias toward Roberts throughout the season.
“She can’t hide her true feelings,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Her distance from him is telling.”
“It’s the lack of clapping, the faces she made… we all saw it,” said another.
Her previous remarks—including one comment suggesting Roberts needed more “swag” during his Top 5 performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”—only fueled the backlash.
Jamal Responds on The Morning Hustle
Appearing on The Morning Hustle Show, Roberts was asked directly about Underwood’s demeanor. Host Lore’l didn’t hold back:
“Some people didn’t think Carrie Underwood was happy… she kind of side-eyed you when you won. Do you believe that’s true?”
Roberts responded with his signature humility.
“Well, watching the past performances, I saw she was clapping and getting on board. So I really don’t know,” he said. “She’s a country singer. But Luke’s also a country singer and he supported me 100%… I don’t have a comment there.”
Fans Applaud Jamal’s Grace, Demand Judge Shake-Up
Roberts’ diplomatic answer didn’t stop fans from rallying in his defense. On Instagram, a wave of support poured in after clips from the interview were posted:
“He gotta stay neutral in his response, but come on… If everyone else saw it, we know he felt it.”
“Jamal handled the shade with grace. That’s why he won. Anointed, gifted, and destined.”
One viewer went even further:
“Replace her. She’s not here for talent like Jamal—she’s here for her favorites.”
Some fans pointed to a double standard in Underwood’s judging, with Roberts himself noting in the interview that contestants in “cowboy boots and overalls” were praised, while he was critiqued for lacking stage presence.
Still, the Focus Stays on the Music
Roberts, who has already debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart with his original “Heal,” made it clear he’s not letting the noise define his journey. In his words:
“At the end of the day, I just kept showing up and doing what I love. America made its choice.”
While ABC has not yet announced the judging panel for Season 24, fans are hoping the next era of American Idol brings more support for fresh, diverse talent—like Roberts.
And as for him? He’s too busy recording music, raising his newborn daughter, and planning what’s next to dwell on any drama.
