“‘They Were All Biased!’ — Jamal Roberts Accuses Idol Judges of Favoritism, Sparks Explosive Controversy Among Fans and Industry Insiders”
Jamal Roberts may have won American Idol 2025, but according to him, the battle wasn’t just on stage — it was behind it. In a jaw-dropping interview that has sent shockwaves across fan communities and entertainment media alike, the breakout star alleged that the show’s judges were “blatantly biased” throughout the competition.
“From the start, it felt like certain people were chosen. It wasn’t about who was the best. It was about who fit a narrative,” Jamal said during a now-viral interview with a fan-run podcast.
“They smiled on camera, but off-camera? Whole different story.”
🎥 The Accusation That Sparked a Firestorm
Jamal’s interview, posted just days after his finale victory, wasn’t what fans expected. While many anticipated a thank-you tour or celebratory remarks, what they got instead was a raw, candid, and deeply personal critique of how he felt minimized and misjudged throughout the season.
“They were all biased,” he said bluntly, referring to the judging panel of Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
“I felt it in how they talked to me, how they critiqued me compared to others. It was subtle, but real.”
Fans were quick to point out moments during the season where Jamal received disproportionately harsh feedback, even after stellar performances, while other contestants were praised for what many viewed as weaker efforts.
📸 The Photo That Lit the Match
Fueling the flames, a resurfaced behind-the-scenes photo began circulating online showing Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie warmly embracing another finalist and their family — during a private Idol event just before the Top 5 live round.
While many brushed it off as a friendly moment, others saw it differently:
“That’s not mentorship. That’s favoritism,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
“If you’re a judge, you don’t get to play favorites — especially when there’s $250,000 and a career on the line.”
The photo now anchors hundreds of posts under the trending hashtag #RiggedIdol.
🧠 Did Jamal Win Despite the Bias?
Ironically, Jamal’s claims are making his win look even more impressive to supporters.
“He didn’t just win,” said longtime Idol viewer Marlene Reyes. “He overcame — a system that clearly wasn’t rooting for him.”
Other fans noted that despite lukewarm support from the judges, Jamal consistently ranked high in viewer polls and delivered emotionally charged performances that went viral multiple times on TikTok and YouTube.
His final original song, “Heal”, has now become an anthem not just for resilience, but for defiance.
🤐 No Response From Idol — Yet
As of now, neither ABC nor the official American Idol team has responded to Jamal’s comments. The judges themselves have also remained silent, with Carrie Underwood notably avoiding all Idol-related topics in a recent media appearance.
That silence has only intensified public speculation.
“If there’s nothing to hide, why aren’t they clearing it up?” one user posted.
“This is how scandals start — and explode.”
A petition demanding “full transparency in judging standards” has already gained 100,000 signatures in less than 72 hours.
🎤 Other Contestants Weigh In
Former Idol contestants, both from this season and previous years, have begun speaking out in subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways.
One anonymous Season 21 finalist told a fan blog:
“We’ve all seen how they push certain stories. It’s not new. But Jamal saying it out loud? That’s brave.”
Another tweeted, “Takes guts to win and still call out the machine. Respect.”
👥 Fanbase Split — But Loud
Not everyone is on Jamal’s side. Some Idol viewers have pushed back, saying he should be grateful and avoid “burning bridges” so soon after his win.
“This could ruin his future in the industry,” one fan argued.
“Why bite the hand that made you?”
Others fiercely disagree.
“He made the show worth watching this year. Don’t act like he owes them silence after everything he went through.”
The debate is raging across comment sections, fan pages, and forums — making this one of the most divisive Idol post-seasons in years.
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💥 What Happens Next?
Industry insiders are watching closely. With American Idol already facing ratings fatigue and increased competition from streaming talent shows, a public scandal around favoritism and bias could be disastrous for the franchise.
Insiders suggest this may force the show to revisit how it presents mentorship, judge-contestant interactions, and decision-making transparency moving forward.
Meanwhile, Jamal has doubled down. In a follow-up post, he wrote:
“I love my fans. I love the music. But I won’t fake it for a brand. Y’all deserve the truth.”
💬 Final Thoughts
Jamal Roberts’ talent is unquestionable — but now, his voice is being used for more than just songs. It’s calling out a system he says nearly broke him before it crowned him.
Whether you believe he’s exposing hard truths or stirring unnecessary drama, one thing’s certain: American Idol 2025 won’t be remembered only for the music.
👇 Sound off in the comments. Has Idol finally been exposed? Or is this just one star speaking too soon? #RiggedIdol #BiasOnIdol #JamalSpeaks
