The Season 23 finale of American Idol, which aired on May 18, 2025, marked a historic moment as Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, was crowned the winner. Roberts, the first Black man to win the title in 22 years since Ruben Studdard in 2003, captivated audiences with his genre-defying talent, earning a record-breaking 26 million votes—the highest in the show’s history on ABC. Yet, amidst the celebration, a storm of controversy erupted, with many fans claiming that judge Carrie Underwood “didn’t want” Roberts to win at all. Underwood, a former Idol winner herself, faced intense scrutiny for her comments and body language throughout the season, leading to accusations of bias, favoritism, and even racial undertones. This article delves into the fan backlash, the context of Underwood’s actions, and the broader implications for American Idol as it navigates its legacy in a polarized media landscape.

A Season of Talent and Tension

Season 23 of American Idol was a rollercoaster of talent, emotion, and unpredictability. The final three contestants—Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix—represented a diverse range of musical styles, mirroring the genres of the judges themselves: Roberts’ R&B/soul echoed Lionel Richie, Foster’s country roots aligned with Luke Bryan, and Nix’s pop-country/Christian vibe resonated with Carrie Underwood. Roberts, a father of three, had been a standout from the start, wowing judges with his audition performance of Rick James’ “Mary Jane” and continuing to impress with versatile performances like Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” and Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” His ability to make every song his own earned high praise from Richie, who called him “divinely guided,” and Bryan, who dubbed him “one of the most amazing people” he’d seen on the show.

Underwood, who joined the judging panel in 2025—20 years after her own Idol victory in 2005—brought a wealth of experience to the table. As one of the show’s most successful alumni, with over 85 million records sold and multiple Grammy Awards, her return was a full-circle moment. However, her tenure as a judge was marred by criticism from the outset. Reports surfaced that her selection wasn’t unanimous among the show’s producers, with some insiders claiming she wasn’t the network’s first choice to replace Katy Perry. This backdrop set the stage for a season where Underwood’s every move was closely scrutinized, particularly in her interactions with Roberts.

The Controversy: Underwood’s “Tone-Deaf” Feedback

The controversy surrounding Underwood’s attitude toward Roberts began to gain traction during the Top 5 episode on Disney Night, aired on May 12, 2025. Roberts performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” earning a standing ovation from judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Underwood, however, remained seated and offered feedback that many fans found jarring. “Your voice is incredible,” she said, “but I feel like you missed such an opportunity to move around and entertain. We are getting close to the end here, it is time to pull out all the stops.” While the comment might seem constructive on the surface, fans quickly pointed out what they saw as a double standard. Other contestants, like John Foster and Breanna Nix, often performed with minimal movement, yet Underwood never criticized them for staying stationary. A fan on X remarked, “Everyone gets to stand still, but [Roberts] has to move around!! Really?”

This perceived inconsistency fueled accusations of bias. Some fans argued that Underwood’s critique undermined Roberts’ performance, implying he wasn’t giving his all—an assertion that clashed with his track record of dynamic, crowd-pleasing performances throughout the season. Roberts had danced, grooved, and utilized the stage in earlier rounds, delivering everything from gospel numbers like Jason Nelson’s “Forever” to country covers like Underwood’s own “Undo It.” To many, Underwood’s comment seemed to dismiss his versatility and stage presence, qualities that had made him a frontrunner. Another fan on X wrote, “Dear Carrie, this is flat foot singing! He don’t have to do flips! You didn’t do any when you was on the show.”

The criticism escalated during the finale on May 18, when Roberts was announced as the winner. As he performed his final song, Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart,” Underwood was seen sitting down while Richie and Bryan remained standing—a moment that didn’t go unnoticed by viewers. Fans on social media platforms like X erupted, with one user stating, “Carrie underwood is not happy that Jamal won… she can’t hide her racism.” Another wrote, “Ion think Carrie Underwood liked or cared for Jamal & it showed even when she tried to hide it, that Evil dislike was easy to see.” While all three judges gave Roberts a standing ovation when his win was announced, Underwood’s decision to sit during his performance reignited accusations that she was rooting against him.

Fan Backlash and Accusations of Favoritism

The sentiment that Underwood “didn’t want” Roberts to win was compounded by perceptions of favoritism toward John Foster, the country-singing runner-up. Foster, an 18-year-old from Louisiana, had won Underwood’s support early on, with the judge even advocating for him to stay during a critical elimination round. During the finale, fans noted Underwood’s enthusiastic praise for Foster, with one X user claiming, “Carrie’s blatant cheerleading for John crossed a line.” Underwood’s comments to Foster were glowing—she called his performance a “John Foster concert”—while her feedback for Roberts often seemed more reserved, focusing on what he could improve rather than what he had already achieved.

This disparity led some fans to speculate that Underwood’s preference for country music, her own genre, influenced her judging. Roberts’ R&B/soul style, while universally praised by Richie and Bryan, may have clashed with Underwood’s musical sensibilities. A fan on X noted, “Something about Carrie… she’s not genuine and doesn’t like soulful singers, she thinks country is the only genre out there.” This perception wasn’t new—American Idol has long been criticized for favoring country artists, with four of the past ten winners hailing from the genre, including Underwood herself. Roberts’ win disrupted this trend, which may have contributed to the tension.

More troubling were the accusations of racial bias. Roberts’ historic win as the second Black man to claim the Idol title in 22 years carried significant cultural weight, especially in a season where he was the last Black contestant standing. Some fans interpreted Underwood’s actions as racially motivated, with one X user stating, “Carrie had a lot to say about Jamal Roberts… now look who’s holding the crown. Mississippi stays producing greatness. We don’t talk—we win.” While there’s no concrete evidence to support claims of racism, the sentiment reflects a broader unease among viewers about diversity and representation on American Idol, a show that has faced similar criticisms in the past.

Defending Underwood: A Misunderstanding?

Not all fans agreed with the narrative that Underwood opposed Roberts’ win. Some defended her, arguing that her critique was constructive and not indicative of personal dislike. One X user pointed out, “All she did was tell him to engage with the audience more. Ask any coach who they critique the most and they say their best player.” Underwood herself had praised Roberts throughout the season, noting during the finale, “You have this incredible ability to make things your own, and it all sounds fresh, and new, and fun.” She also stood to applaud his win, and in a post-finale interview with Extra TV, she shared words of encouragement with Roberts: “Now go do great things.” These actions suggest that Underwood supported Roberts’ success, even if her judging style didn’t resonate with all viewers.

Underwood’s history on American Idol may also provide context. As a contestant in 2005, she faced harsh criticism from judges like Simon Cowell, who once told her she’d sell more records than any other winner—a prediction that came true. Her own experience with tough feedback might have shaped her approach as a judge, leading her to offer Roberts advice she believed would help him grow. Additionally, Underwood’s tenure as a judge was her first, and some fans noted her awkwardness in the role, with one X user describing her as “wooden & uncomfortable.” This inexperience may have contributed to the perception that she was less enthusiastic about Roberts compared to her fellow judges.

The Bigger Picture: American Idol’s Challenges

The controversy surrounding Underwood and Roberts highlights broader challenges for American Idol as it evolves in its 23rd season. The show’s reliance on fan votes has always been a double-edged sword, empowering viewers but also exposing it to accusations of bias or manipulation. Roberts’ record-breaking 26 million votes underscored his popularity, yet some fans still questioned the process, with one X user claiming, “His win was even more important… 26 million votes made [Underwood] look stupid.” The tension between fan expectations and judging dynamics is a recurring theme for Idol, as seen in past controversies over winners like Adam Lambert in Season 8.

Moreover, the show must navigate issues of representation and genre diversity. Roberts’ win was a step forward for diversity, but the backlash against Underwood reflects a lingering unease among fans about fairness and inclusion. American Idol’s history of crowning country artists has created an expectation that the genre should dominate, and Roberts’ R&B/soul victory challenged that norm. As the show prepares for Season 24, producers may need to address these concerns, perhaps by diversifying the judging panel or offering more transparency in the voting process.

Moving Forward: Roberts’ Triumph and Underwood’s Legacy

For Jamal Roberts, the controversy surrounding Underwood’s perceived attitude is unlikely to overshadow his victory. With a record deal, a cash prize, and a new single, “Heal,” already making waves, Roberts is poised for a bright future. He told USA Today that his focus is on returning home to his daughters and continuing to “keep singing and keep moving souls.” His win, celebrated by many as a triumph of talent and perseverance, marks a new chapter for American Idol.

Carrie Underwood, meanwhile, faces a more complicated path. While her legacy as an Idol winner remains untarnished—her nine studio albums, Grammy Awards, and $100 million net worth speak for themselves—her judging stint has left a mixed impression. Some fans called for her removal, with one X user stating, “Please Lord let this be her LAST season!” Yet others appreciated her perspective as a former contestant, with one fan noting, “I tuned in only to watch Carrie… and she got me hooked.” Whether Underwood returns for Season 24 remains uncertain, but her experience underscores the challenges of transitioning from contestant to judge in the public eye.

In the end, the narrative that Underwood “didn’t want” Roberts to win may be more perception than reality, fueled by a combination of fan passion, social media amplification, and the pressure of live television. American Idol thrives on drama, but it also has the power to launch careers and inspire millions. As Roberts takes his place among the show’s winners, the controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between critique and support—a balance that will continue to shape Idol’s legacy for years to come.