American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts is speaking out for the first time about rumors that judge Carrie Underwood may have favored certain contestants over him during the competition.

Carrie Underwood’s Judging Debut Sparked Strong Reactions

Carrie Underwood, who first rose to fame as the winner of American Idol Season 4, made her guest judge debut during Season 23 in March. Her presence brought a wave of excitement — not only due to her Idol legacy but also because of her bold critiques and unwavering values.

But as the season progressed, fans began speculating that Carrie might be showing clear preference toward contestants whose styles reflected her own — especially fellow country singer John Foster and gospel powerhouse Breanna Nix.

Jamal Roberts’ Victory Raised Eyebrows

Jamal Roberts, the Mississippi schoolteacher who ultimately won the season, competed in the final three alongside Foster and Nix. But as the only finalist not rooted in either country or gospel music, many viewers felt he received harsher critiques — particularly from Carrie.

As rumors swirled online, fans wondered whether Carrie’s loyalty to her musical roots impacted her judging objectivity.

Jamal Finally Speaks Out: “She Had Her Picks”

During a red carpet interview at BET’s 45th Anniversary celebration, journalist Nate Vinson asked Jamal directly about the favoritism chatter. Jamal responded with calm honesty:

“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 — who she really liked — and she stuck with it.
We applaud her for sticking to her roots and to who she liked, but I feel like the better person won.”

His comments weren’t bitter — just reflective. It was clear he sensed the imbalance, but chose to rise above it with grace.

Carrie Underwood’s Classy Response

Carrie hasn’t directly addressed the favoritism rumors, but she didn’t hesitate to publicly congratulate Jamal after his win. In a tweet following the finale, she wrote:

“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!”

She echoed those sentiments in a follow-up interview with Extra:

“Jamal just has a gift from God. His voice is insane. Every time he opens his mouth it is flawless.”

Jamal’s Debut Single: “Heal”

Shortly after being crowned the Season 23 champion, Jamal released his debut single, “Heal” — a stirring anthem rooted in faith, resilience, and emotional truth. The track has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, cementing Jamal’s place as one of Idol’s most inspiring winners.

🎧 Watch Jamal perform “Heal” in the video below.