Viewers Furious After Shocking American Idol Elimination: “No Way That’s Right”

The grand finale of American Idol Season 23 on May 18, 2025, was meant to be a celebration of talent, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of music reality television. But instead of unity and applause, the closing episode of the beloved singing competition left a sharply divided audience in its wake.

Jamal Roberts, a powerhouse vocalist known for his emotive performances and soulful delivery, was announced as the season’s winner. Yet within moments of his victory, an avalanche of criticism surged across social media. The primary source of the uproar? Widespread fan belief that John Foster, the equally gifted and highly popular runner-up, had been “robbed” of the title.

A Victory Questioned: Fans Cry Foul
Roberts’ win should have been a triumph — the culmination of weeks of effort, artistry, and emotional storytelling through song. However, many viewers felt blindsided by the outcome. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok were soon flooded with hashtags like #JusticeForJohn, #IdolRigged, and #JamalVsJohn.

“How did Jamal win when John literally out-sang him in every performance?” one fan asked.
“American Idol has officially lost its credibility,” another user declared.
“Another rigged season. I’m done,” echoed dozens more.

Others created polls and memes highlighting what they called a “miscarriage of musical justice,” some drawing comparisons to previous Idol controversies dating back to early seasons involving Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert, and Jennifer Hudson.

The Contestants: Two Different Journeys
Jamal Roberts, 25, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, won hearts throughout the season with his gospel-tinged voice, grounded demeanor, and stories of growing up singing in his church choir. His ability to deliver emotionally rich renditions of R&B and soul classics made him a standout.

By contrast, John Foster, 22, from Asheville, North Carolina, was known for his technical precision, wide vocal range, and versatility across genres. With a style that ranged from rock ballads to contemporary pop, Foster built a massive online following, especially among younger viewers.

While both contestants were celebrated for their talent, Foster’s performances in the final episodes — particularly his renditions of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” — were hailed as “flawless” and “goosebump-inducing” by fans and critics alike.

This disparity between public perception and final result has led to theories ranging from voting system flaws to producer interference — though no evidence has substantiated either.

Carrie Underwood in the Crossfire: Judge or Juror?
Adding fuel to the fire was judge Carrie Underwood, the country music superstar and Idol alumna, whose critiques during the season — particularly of Roberts — stirred strong reactions.

Many fans accused her of being “unnecessarily harsh” toward Jamal throughout the competition. Comments like “lacked stage control” and “too derivative” were seen by some as overly critical, especially given Roberts’ consistent fan praise.

In a curious twist, some fans — particularly Foster’s — believed Underwood favored Jamal and downplayed Foster’s achievements. This dual perception has left Underwood in a polarizing light, with one faction calling her critiques “honest and constructive,” while others labeled them “biased,” “inconsistent,” or even “toxic.”

Some fans began circulating online petitions asking for Underwood’s removal from the judging panel, citing a need for “neutral, nurturing judges who uplift talent rather than undermine it.” Conversely, others launched counter-petitions defending her integrity and experience.

“Carrie knows what it takes to succeed after Idol,” wrote one supporter. “She holds contestants to a high standard because she wants the best for them.”

Eliminations and Emotions: The Final Three
The finale also featured the eliminations of Thunderstorm Artis — a fan-favorite returning contestant from The Voice — and Slater Nalley, a country singer with a devoted Southern following. Their departures were seen as inevitable in such a competitive season, but they too were not without controversy, with some fans calling Artis’ elimination premature.

That left a final trio of Roberts, Foster, and Breanna Nix — the latter known for her delicate voice and indie-pop style. Though Nix placed third, many praised her as the “emotional heart” of the season, and her original compositions earned her a deal with an independent label even before the finale aired.

Idol Under Fire: A Show at a Crossroads
While every season of American Idol comes with its share of passionate debates, Season 23 has exposed deeper fractures in how audiences relate to televised talent competitions in the streaming age.

Viewers now expect more transparency, more consistent judging, and perhaps more direct influence over outcomes. The show’s voting process — still largely reliant on SMS and app-based inputs — has been criticized for its lack of demographic balance and susceptibility to fan bloc manipulation.

“It’s time for American Idol to modernize,” said television analyst Mark Glenn. “When millions tune in and feel their voice wasn’t heard, the show loses credibility.”

An Idol Legacy in Jeopardy?
American Idol, now more than two decades old, has long been a launchpad for careers — from Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to Gabby Barrett and Noah Thompson. Yet as viewership patterns shift and trust in reality TV erodes, some wonder whether the format can continue to thrive in its current form.

The Season 23 finale, with its emotional highs and community division, may go down in Idol history not just for who won, but for how divided the win left fans feeling.

“It was supposed to be a celebration of talent,” one longtime viewer posted on Facebook. “Instead, it felt like a missed opportunity for fairness and truth.”