Judge Luke Bryan is backing Jamal Roberts to win American Idol Season 23 โ but fans have their hearts set on a different rising star
Country music superstar and longtime American Idol judge Luke Bryan has made it clear who he believes should take home the Season 23 crown. In a recent episode, Bryan voiced strong support for Jamal Roberts, calling the 24-year-old singer from Atlanta a “once-in-a-generation talent” and praising his stage presence and emotional depth.
Roberts, known for his soulful vocals and smooth charisma, has impressed the judges consistently throughout the competition. From his show-stopping audition to his heartfelt performances in the Top 10, heโs demonstrated both versatility and vulnerability โ qualities that have earned him standing ovations and high praise from all three judges.
However, despite Bryanโs enthusiastic endorsement, not all viewers are in agreement. Many fans have taken to social media to express their support for a different contestant: 19-year-old Emily Grace, a folk-pop singer from Oregon. With her haunting voice and poetic lyrics, Emily has built a passionate following online, especially among younger audiences.
Hashtags like #EmilyGraceForTheWin and #TeamEmily are trending on X (formerly Twitter), as fans rally behind her in the final weeks of the show. Some viewers argue that while Roberts is talented, Emily represents a fresh, authentic sound thatโs missing in todayโs mainstream music.
This growing divide between the judgesโ preferences and fan favorites is nothing new to American Idol, but it adds an exciting layer of suspense to Season 23. With the finale quickly approaching, both Roberts and Emily are seen as frontrunners, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
Whether the final vote will reflect Luke Bryanโs expert opinion or the voice of the public remains to be seen. One thing is certain: American Idol Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and emotionally charged seasons in the showโs history.