Carrie Underwood Under Fire Over Her Reaction To The New 'American Idol' Winner As Fans Call For Her Removal
Carrie Underwood is facing heavy backlash online after "American Idol" viewers perceived her reaction to singer Jamal Roberts' victory in the show as less than enthusiastic.
Although the country music superstar has since shared a personal post congratulating Roberts on his win, netizens claim she is only doing "damage control" after being called out.
Carrie Underwood has since returned home and revealed that her farm welcomed a new baby lamb on the same day the "American Idol" finale aired.
"American Idol" fans criticized Underwood for what they perceived as her "unhappy" expression after Jamal Roberts was crowned season 23 winner.
The show wrapped up on Sunday, May 18, with finalists Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Roberts performing alongside Season 23 mentor Jelly Roll, Jessica Simpson, Salt-N-Pepa, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Groban, and Patti LaBelle.
After a three-hour entertaining showdown, 27-year-old Roberts, who hails from Meridian, Mississippi, and works as an elementary school teacher, was crowned champion and was greeted with a standing ovation by all three judges, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Underwood.
However, when Roberts started performing Anthony Hamilton's "Her Heart" as his final song, Underwood was seen sitting back while the other judges remained standing.
The country singer seemingly barely acknowledged Roberts when she and the other judges got on stage to celebrate his win, which also raised eyebrows.
The "Before He Cheats" singer's perceived lack of excitement quickly drew the ire of many viewers, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment.
One person wrote, "She was just nasty, biased, and unmoved the ENTIRE season. Of course, you root for your fave(s) internally. But her outright displays were atrocious. Her disdain was so obvious. I hope she is NOT there ever again!"
Another noted called the singer out for saying Roberts lacked "stage presence." They said," 'He lacked stage presence?!?' So did she on her season. Why is she acting like she doesn't know what it's like to be a contestant on this show?"
One fan mocked Underwood, claiming she "wanted country boy to win," while another said they "see right through her bullsh-t."
Amid the backlash, Underwood put up a post, congratulating Roberts for coming out victorious in the singing competition.
She wrote, "Congratulations to the newest winner of @AmericanIdol!!! I'm so proud of Jamal Roberts 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's message of support for Roberts didn't seem to calm things down, with several still slamming the singer.
A viral post with over 10 million views and 57k likes read, "This was so forced and you posted it for damage control. America caught on, FYI. Don't bring her back @AmericanIdol."
However, amid the criticisms, other fans came to Underwood's defense and commended the 42-year-old singer for a job well done on the show.
Someone wrote, "Now all of the Carrie haters can stop crying, saying she didn't like Jamal. Y'all can stop crying now. She loves him and said congratulations to him. Y'all just jealous of Carrie point blank."
Following Roberts' emergence as the show's winner and the backlash that has trailed Underwood since the season wrapped up, several fans are now in doubt about her reprising her role as a judge.
However, Showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick addressed the show's future in an interview with TVLine, where she praised Underwood.
Wolflick said Underwood "really had to carve out her own role," and was "stepping into the shoes of a former judge," but needed to be "her own person, and she definitely did that."
"I think she brought a nostalgia factor, and I also like that she brought a little criticism and constructive feedback, which is very much needed," she continued. "She knows back in her day how hard she was pushed every week to become the best. So I think she's brought a lot to the show, and I hope people love it."
Although Underwood and the other judges haven't addressed their future on the show, Wolflick seemingly suggested that things are going well with them and they may likely reprise their role on it.
"It's early days still, but I love our panel. I think we're in a good place. I'm excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They're all passionate about the show," she added.
Underwood has since returned home and was welcomed with good news by her family. The singer lives in Tennessee with her husband, Mike Fisher, whom she married in 2010, and their two sons, Isaiah Michael and Jacob Bryan.
She took to Instagram earlier this week to share that she welcomed a baby lamb to her family as she shared a sweet selfie with the lamb, and a video of him being fed by his mother.
"Surprise! We've got another new life around the farm!" Underwood wrote in her caption, before revealing: "This little guy happened to be born on the day of the @americanidol finale, so we figured it would only be right if we named him Jamal!!!" referring to season 23 winner Roberts.
"Mama and Baby J are doing well… and I'm popping by the barn to get snuggles every chance I get! Welcome to the world, little dude!" she added.
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