“American Idol” winner Jamal Roberts is addressing the discourse surrounding his relationship with judge Carrie Underwood.
Roberts made the remarks when journalist Nate Vinson asked him about the “very strong narrative online” around Underwood’s first season as a judge. “People (who) watch the show that felt like she really wasn’t supportive of you like other judges or other people,” Vinson said.
Roberts, 27, responded by saying that “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,” Roberts continued in the red carpet clip from a BET 45th anniversary dinner.
‘American Idol’ finale reveals 2025 winner: Is it Jamal, John or Breanna?Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
USA TODAY reached out to reps for “American Idol,” Roberts and Underwood for comment.
Last month, the Mississippi gym teacher prevailed on the singing competition show over a pair of country singers, John Foster and Breanna Nix. The conversation surrounding Roberts and Underwood, the show’s Season 4 winner in her own right, took place all season long.
In his “Idol” audition, Underwood told Roberts that he needed to “loosen up” and find some “swagger.” Despite the backlash she experienced for her perceived treatment of Roberts by some, the “Before He Cheats” hitmaker wished Roberts well after his May 18 win.
“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!” Underwood wrote in an Instagram caption.
Underwood also told USA TODAY she had some nerves around the winner announcement, reminiscent of her own moment she’d experienced two decades ago.
“My heart was pounding when Ryan was looking at the card and doing the pause thing,” Underwood said. “There are a lot of moments that take me back to my time on the show.”
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