Backlash Erupts After ‘American Idol’ 2025 Finale Results — Carrie Underwood’s Judging Draws CriticismThe American Idol 2025 finale may have crowned a winner, but not everyone is celebrating. Just hours after the final results were announced, a wave of backlash from viewers swept across social media, with many fans questioning the outcome — and pointing fingers at judge Carrie Underwood for what some are calling a “divisive” judging style throughout the season.

The final vote, which saw frontrunner Elena Moore lose to dark horse contender Ryan Blake, stunned viewers who believed Elena had delivered the more consistent performances. Fans immediately took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to express frustration, with #IdolRigged and #JusticeForElena trending within minutes of the broadcast ending.

“I’ve watched every season of Idol, and this is the first time I’m genuinely shocked by the result,” one viewer wrote. “Elena poured her soul into that finale — what happened?”

 

But it wasn’t just the voting that drew heat. Judge Carrie Underwood, a former American Idol champion herself, found herself at the center of criticism. Some fans felt her feedback this season leaned too heavily on technical critique, often ignoring the emotional storytelling that defines standout Idol moments.“She was too focused on perfection,” another fan commented online. “Sometimes it felt like she wanted contestants to sound like robots instead of real artists.”

Others defended Underwood, praising her for raising the bar. “She knows what it takes to survive in the industry,” one viewer said. “She was being real — and that’s rare on shows like this.”Still, with the controversy growing, many are calling for the show to re-evaluate its judging criteria and voting transparency for future seasons.

 

Despite the uproar, both finalists have gained massive exposure and support. Whether you agreed with the result or not, American Idol 2025 proved once again that music has the power to unite, divide, and stir passionate debate.

As for Carrie Underwood, neither she nor the show’s producers have responded to the criticism — yet.