Carrie Underwood is facing heat from American Idol fans after her unexpected critique of fan-favorite Jamal Roberts during Monday night’s Disney-themed episode. Her remarks have sparked accusations of bias — and some fans are calling it an attempt to undermine the show’s last remaining Black contestant.
What Happened?
Jamal kicked off the night with a powerful, soulful take on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” bringing the judges and the audience to their feet. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie showered him with praise, with Richie calling the performance “amazing” and admiring Jamal’s unique ability to “Jamalerize” any song.
But when it came time for Carrie’s feedback, her tone was notably different. She told Jamal, “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.” Unlike the other judges, she remained seated during his standing ovation — a moment that didn’t go unnoticed.
Fans React
Social media lit up with reactions from viewers who felt Carrie’s critique was off-base and unfair:
Double Standards? Fans pointed out that several other contestants have stood still during performances without any pushback. “Carrie told Jamal to move more — meanwhile, others have stood like statues all season,” one viewer posted.
Allegations of Bias: Some took it further, questioning whether Carrie was showing favoritism or dismissing soulful performances. “Carrie DEFINITELY does not like Jamal,” one fan tweeted, while another said, “She acts like country is the only genre that matters.”
Support for Jamal: Others rallied around the Mississippi singer. “This is what we call flat-footed singing,” one user wrote. “He doesn’t need to dance to prove he’s a powerhouse. This man is sanging!”
A Redeeming Moment
Later in the night, Jamal returned with a moving rendition of “Beauty and the Beast,” captivating the audience with his emotional delivery. This time, Carrie had little to say, while the rest of the panel urged America to get behind him. Luke Bryan sealed the moment with a cheer: “Let’s win this thing, baby!”
What’s Next?
Despite the controversy, Jamal Roberts soared into the Top 3 and is now headed to the Season 23 finale with a real shot at winning it all. But Carrie Underwood’s comments have left a lingering buzz — with some fans even suggesting it might be time to reconsider her seat at the judges’ table.
Regardless of the drama, one thing is clear: Jamal Roberts is giving America plenty of reasons to root for him.
