‘American Idol’ Rigged? Explosive Leaks Reveal Secret Favoritism Toward John Foster—Jamal Roberts’ Heartbreaking Elimination Sparks Nationwide Outrage!

As American Idol Season 23 races toward its grand finale, a storm is brewing across social media, with fans sharply divided over who should take home the crown. While 18-year-old John Foster has earned a spot in the coveted Top 3 and continues to receive overwhelming viewer votes, many longtime fans are expressing growing frustration over his continued rise — and fear it could come at the expense of fan-favorite Jamal Roberts.

A Rapid Rise and a Backlash

Foster, the soft-spoken teen from Addis, Louisiana, has struck a chord with a large portion of the voting audience with his consistent country ballads and earnest performances. Many viewers praise his wholesome persona and classic sound. However, others argue his act has become one-note, with complaints that he sticks to the same genre each week.

The backlash has grown louder following the eliminations of artists like Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis — both widely regarded as strong, dynamic vocalists. Now, with Foster in the Top 3 alongside Roberts and Breanna Nix, the debate over who deserves to win has reached a boiling point.

Fans Accuse the Show of Playing Favorites

On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), some Idol fans have accused the show — and even the judges — of favoring Foster while being overly critical of other contestants, particularly Jamal Roberts.

One viral post read:

“Jamal is the next American Idol. Way better than John Foster. If John wins, I’m done watching this show. This ain’t a popularity contest. It’s about singing.”

Another pointed to perceived bias from judge Carrie Underwood, who once told Roberts to “move around more,” while seemingly ignoring similar performance habits from Foster and others.

“How unfair it is for Carrie to tell Jamal to move around but not John Foster or Slater. When has Breanna ever danced around?” wrote one frustrated viewer.
A Tale of Two Journeys

Foster has certainly had standout moments on the show, including a touching Mother’s Day performance of Believe by Brooks & Dunn, which he dedicated to his mother. During the emotional performance, his mother held a sign in the audience that read, “I believe in you, son.”

His supporters say it’s his emotional sincerity and old-school charm that resonate — and dismiss critics as being unfairly dismissive of his talent.

Meanwhile, Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher and father from Meridian, Mississippi, has won fans over with his powerful voice, vulnerability, and musical range. Unlike Foster, Roberts has moved across genres — from gospel to pop — showing a vocal dexterity that many fans feel makes him the true standout.

“Jamal has range. He’s sung everything from gospel to soul to pop. That’s what an American Idol should be.” wrote another fan online.

The Bigger Question: Who Will Win?

The finale, set to air live on Sunday, May 19, will feature performances from all three finalists — Roberts, Foster, and Nix — along with appearances by a star-studded lineup including Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Josh Groban, and Carrie Underwood, who will perform with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Still, it’s clear that fans are deeply invested in who walks away with the title. While Foster may have a strong fanbase, viewers are warning that American Idol risks becoming “a popularity contest” rather than a showcase of raw vocal talent.

“If John Foster wins, I’m never watching this show again. Jamal has been the most consistent and versatile artist this season. He deserves the win.”

The final votes are now in the hands of the American public. Whether Idol crowns its youngest winner in recent memory or sees Roberts rise from underdog to champion remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: this year’s finale will be one of the most emotionally charged and closely watched in American Idol history.