Emotions can run very high on American Idol. There is so much at stake. Contestants' fragile, lifelong dreams of music stardom are on the line. Each performance has to be as perfect as possible and the pressure is enormous. Even seasoned singers would find that set of circumstances daunting. That intense atmosphere can cause rumors to swirl about ruffled feathers between the aspiring vocalists and the judges.
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Per y!entertainment via Parade, newly crowned Idol winner Jamal Roberts is clarifying his thoughts about judge Carrie Underwood. There has been speculation from some about a perceived rift between them.
Jamal Roberts Recently Addressed His Feelings Toward Carrie Underwood
At the 45th anniversary dinner of BET, Roberts was questioned about Underwood's possibly shaky enthusiasm for him during the season. Per the outlet, one journalist, Nate Vinson, asked Roberts outright if Underwood was not really behind him during the competition. She seemed to be more positive about some of the other singers.
Roberts' reply was deferential but candid. "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."
He added, "We applaud her for sticking to her roots and sticking to who she liked. But I feel like the better person won."
Fans Seemed To Detect Some Uneasiness Between Underwood And Roberts During The Competition
From the start of the season, Underwood seemed to be a bit critical of Roberts. After his audition, she commented that he needed more "swagger" and should "loosen up." Even so, the "Undo It" singer warmly and sincerely congratulated Roberts on his victory when he earned the top prize in mid-May.
Per the outlet via Instagram, Underwood graciously posted, "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!" Her laudatory message was followed by three red heart emojis.
So it looks like the former Idol winner and the newest one are not really on the outs after all, despite some possible indications to the contrary.
