American Idol winner Jamal Roberts has spoken out about whether or not judge Carrie Underwood favored other contestants over him.
Carrie Underwood made her judging debut on American Idol, the same show that made her a star, in March. Her role in the reality singing competition drew a lot of attention for several reasons: her history on the show and her outspokenness about her faith, which was on full display all season.
Toward the end of Season 23, Underwood was drawing attention for another reason. Fans accused the “Something In The Water” singer of playing favorites and of seemingly being more critical of some contestants than others.
One of the contestants fans felt that Carrie was biased against was Jamal Roberts, a Mississippi school teacher who went on to win the season.
During the last week of competition, Roberts found himself in the Top 3 with country singer John Foster and gospel artist Breanna Nix. Viewers felt that Underwood was showing favoritism to Foster and Nix due to their chosen genres.
In a recent interview, Jamal Roberts spoke out about the issue for the first time.
While walking the red carpet for BET’s 45th Anniversary celebration, Jamal was asked for his take on the perceived shade thrown by Carrie Underwood.
“People who watch the show felt like she really wasn’t supportive of you like other judges or other people,” journalist Nate Vinson told Roberts.
Roberts’ response implied that he agreed with the sentiment of favoritism.
“Carrie is a country singer and she likes country music. I mean, I don’t think she likes every genre for real. She had her picks, and she had her (choice) of who she really liked, and she stuck with it,” Roberts said.
“We applaud her for sticking to her roots and sticking to who she liked, but I feel like the better person won.“
At the BET 45th Anniversary Dinner, ‘American Idol’ winner Jamal Roberts responded to fans calling out judge Carrie Underwood for her lack of support for Roberts across the season.
“I don’t think she likes every genre for real,” he shares. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/Tz1CmWkUSS
— reporting for duty. (@TheGreatIsNate) June 11, 2025
While Carrie Underwood hasn’t addressed the perceived feud, it appears that the speculation was unwarranted and fueled by angry viewers who didn’t like Roberts being on the receiving end of any criticism.
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After Jamal Roberts’ win, Carrie took to social media to congratulate the singer, saying:
“Congratulations to the newest winner of @americanidol !!! I’m so proud of @officialjamalroberts and all he has accomplished this season and I can’t wait to see what mountains he climbs next! He’s going to do great things! ❤️❤️❤️”
Carrie also shared the inspiring words she had for Jamal following his win. She told Extra, “I got to tell him afterwards, ‘Now go do great things.’ And I feel like he certainly can.”
Carrie also bragged about Jamal’s incredible voice, saying, “Jamal just has a gift from God. His voice is insane. Every time he opens his mouth it is flawless.”
Hear Jamal Roberts sing his first single, “Heal,” in the video below.
