American Idol Season 23 Winner Revealed: Carrie Underwood’s Reaction Sparks Buzz

ABC’s American Idol concluded its thrilling 23rd season on Sunday with a spectacular three-hour finale. The evening was highlighted by Jamal Roberts taking home the top prize, but it was Carrie Underwood’s unexpected reaction that sparked a wave of chatter among fans.

The competition had narrowed down to three finalists—Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts—after Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis were eliminated the previous week.

This finale also marked the conclusion of Carrie Underwood’s debut season as a judge, two decades after her own victorious run on the show during Season 4, when she triumphed over Bo Bice.

The three finalists delivered captivating performances, joined by an array of guest artists including Season 23 mentor Jelly Roll, Jessica Simpson, Salt-N-Pepa, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Groban, and Patti LaBelle.

Ultimately, it was Jamal Roberts who emerged as the Season 23 champion, edging out John Foster at the conclusion of the marathon finale.

However, many fans took issue with Underwood’s reaction during the final moments. She remained seated during Jamal’s last performance, in contrast to her fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who stood. This prompted accusations from fans that Underwood was ‘disapproving’ of Roberts’ win.

Breanna Nix was the first singer eliminated in the opening hour, as she was the lowest vote-getter thus far, with John Foster and Jamal Roberts left as the final two singers.

Host Ryan Seacrest revealed there were 26 million votes, more than double last year’s finale, the biggest vote in Idol history.

When Roberts – a 27-year-old elementary school teacher from Meridian, Mississippi – was announced as the winner, all three judges applauded and gave him a standing ovation.

However, when he went to perform Anthony Hamilton’s Her Heart as the season’s final song, Carrie took a seat while the others remained standing. 

This didn’t sit well with many fans, including X user Shay (@sunshine0nme), who shared an image of Carrie seated while Luke and Lionel remained standing.

‘Not Carrie Underwood sitting down and probably being told to stand up when Jamal won,’ she said with a rolling eyes emoji and the #AmericanIdol hashtag.

Nicole Ray (@rita_nicole) added, ‘Carrie hating until the very end I see. CONGRATULATIONS JAMAL!!! #AmericanIdol.’

Courtney Pernell (@Baker27Courtney) added, ‘Carrie had a lot to say about Jamal Roberts… now look who’s holding the crown. Mississippi stays producing greatness. We don’t talk—we win. Built different, baby. #AmericanIdol #jamalroberts #Mississippi.’

Courtney was referring to last week’s episode, where she told Jamal to, ‘move around and entertain,’ while none of the other singers, who were as stationary as Jamal, got that same criticism.

Dean (@thedeans_list) said, ‘I was going to say something about Carrie but Jamal won so that’s all I care about now… forget Carrie #AmericanIdol.’

Cloud 9 Dreams (@Cloud9ineDreams) said, ‘me watching Carrie Underwood hating self when Jamal won American Idol #americanidolfinale #AmericanIdol.’

Others even went so far as to wanting Underwood gone from the judge’s panel for the next season of American Idol. 

MJ (@mayajdotcom) shared a GIF of an umpire tossing a MLB manager from a game, adding, ‘& I want Carrie Underwood outta here #AmericanIdol.’

Another X user dubbed @topfloordes said that country artists, ‘John and Carrie can go cry in the bathroom #AmericanIdol’ after Jamal’s big win.

Wade (@taurus_boyy) added, ‘American idol got it right. Carrie tried to dim his Light and when the top 14 came out Whew #americanidol.’

Cris (@cristallight4) said, ‘Carrie better stand back up, she lame for sitting down during this final performance! #AmericanIdol.’

Carrie also performed during the three hour finale, with one user dubbed @jayraynoldo using her feedback about Jamal moving around stage against her.

‘Carrie Underwood, last week you gave Jamal feedback about owning the entire stage and all night you’ve been rocking back and forth in 1 spot… make it make sense… #AmericanIdol,’ he said.

Others bashed Underwood and another special performer – Jessica Simpson – making her first TV appearance in 15 years – for their supposed use of lip fillers.

@MuracoThe said, ‘Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, Etc. Ladies……Ladies……..Please……I’m begging you. Leave your lips alone!!’

Maridee Now (@marideenow) said, ‘I thought that Carrie’s lips were pumped up, but Jessica has her beat. #AmericanIdol.’

Carrie’s journey back to American Idol comes exactly 20 years after she emerged victorious in Season 4, as she reflected on her journey in a new segment.  

‘I think about my… I’m going to get emotional,’ Underwood began as she fought back tears at the start of the segment. 

‘I think about my journey on American Idol all the time, because it’s so unbelievable, if I hadn’t made that one decision in my life, my life would be completely different,’ she added.

‘I think about my journey on American Idol all the time, because it’s so unbelievable, if I hadn’t made that one decision in my life, my life would be completely different,’ she added

She added that, ‘Every single person that hears that can fill in that memory that’s somebody within themselves.’

She also performed I’m Gonna Love You with Slater Nalley, who was stunned when she brought out her original collaborator on that song, Cody Johnson. 

Underwood also joined her fellow judges Richie and Bryan for a performance of Richie’s classic hit Stuck On You. 

While it has yet to be officially confirmed, Underwood is expected to return to the judge’s table for Season 24 of American Idol.