American Idol 2025 winner Jamal Roberts is confident in that he knows he deserved to win the singing competition series this year, and it doesn't matter to him what anyone says. Even if that person is one of the judges. In particular, newcomer Carrie Underwood.
Since his journey first began on the show as an Idol hopeful in the auditions, viewers noticed that Roberts wasn't necessarily one of Underwood's favorite contestants. As the season went on and he continued to inch closer and closer to the finale, fans noticed the same trend continue. Especially compared to her fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan who seemed to be more supportive.
Jamal Roberts' thoughts on American Idol judge Carrie Underwood
It's been quite the discourse and discussion online, and the 27-year-old from Mississippi is now addressing it. When asked about it by reporter Nate Vinson at the BET 45th Anniversary Dinner, it was clear Roberts knew what he was talking about when Vinson mentioned a judge. Before the reporter even said it was Underwood, Roberts sort of smiles, knowing the question coming. When asked about what his response is to the season 4 winner herself not being as supportive, he gave a pretty shady answer:
"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. 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.
— reporting for duty. (@TheGreatIsNate) June 11, 2025
“I don’t think she likes every genre for real,” he shares. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/Tz1CmWkUSS
Like I said, confident. And, honestly Roberts should be. He's so talented and brought such a unique voice to the R&B and gospel genre that it was refreshing to see! I was certainly a fan of his. Given his pretty straightforward response, it seems like the fact that Underwood perhaps didn't want him to win isn't just a rumor. He obviously has felt that too if he chose to say that "the better person won."
Runner-ups John Foster and Breanna Nix are both country artists, so that is who Roberts is referring to as well. Even so, Underwood did share a congratulatory message on Instagram for Roberts when he was announced to be the 2025 American Idol winner. Plus, as he said. It's not necessarily that she didn't like him. She could have just favored the other contestants. She's not the only and first judge to make clear who their favorite is. So that's something to also think about and keep in mind.
Since joining the singing competition series, Underwood has been facing some negativity from viewers who many of which haven't enjoyed having her on as a judge in season 23. There's even rumors that she won't be returning for the already confirmed 2026 season on ABC next year. We'll have to wait and see for an update here.
Whether there really is drama and how far it actually runs is unknown. Though you know what? It doesn't matter now. Because no matter how supportive or unsupportive the judges are, at the end of the day when it comes to the live shows, it's up to us fans at home to decide who we want to see crowned the next American Idol. We've all spoken, and now I'm excited to see where Roberts career goes!
American Idol 2026 is expected to premiere early next year on ABC.