Former 'American Idol' Champion Reacts to Carrie Underwood’s 'No Swag' Critique Amid Calls for Her Resignation

The anticipated celebration of American Idol’s first Black male winner in over two decades has spiraled into controversy. Fans are now calling for Carrie Underwood’s removal from the judging panel due to her perceived mistreatment of champion Jamal Roberts. The 27-year-old educator from Mississippi achieved a historic 26 million votes, yet his victory is marred by critiques of Underwood's detached comments throughout the season. Following a powerful rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Underwood's lukewarm feedback stood in stark contrast to the enthusiasm expressed by fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Roberts diplomatically addressed the tension, noting Underwood’s “swag” remark amid apparent bias towards country aesthetics. The backlash on social media intensified, with viewers urging for better representation and questioning Underwood's future on the show.