Carrie Underwood secretly wiped away tears off camera on American Idol finale during ‘favorite’ finalist’s performance

The season 23 finale led to bursts of uncontrollable emotions behind-the-scenes from the talent that viewers at home missed

CARRIE Underwood was seen secretly wiping away tears off camera during her ‘favorite’ contestant’s performance on last night’s American Idol finale, The U.S. Sun can reveal.

The newest judge was overcome with emotion on last night’s season 23 finale – which saw fan-favorite powerhouse Jamal Roberts being crowned as this year’s champion.

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Carrie Underwood stuns in gold during American Idol’s season 23 finaleCredit: Youtube/American Idol

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John Foster performs during the season 23 finaleCredit: Getty

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Jamal Roberts sings his newest single, Heal, on the Idol finaleCredit: Getty

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Breanna Nix stuns in a blue dress after performing on American IdolCredit: Getty
Before Mississippi P.E. teacher Jamal, 27, won the season to a roaring celebration last night, he performed along with fellow top three finalists Breanna Nix, 25, and John Foster, 18.

Each contestant sang solo for two different performances and also accompanied A-list guests who also took to the American Idol stage last night for duets.

The three finalists opened the show by performing a show-stopping rendition of We Are the Champions together.

It was Breanna’s first solo performance, though, that appeared to tug most on Carrie’s heartstrings.

Dazzling bright in a pink sequin dress, she brought the faith to the Idol stage when she belted out a powerful rendition of the song In Jesus Name.

The camera briefly showed Carrie’s reaction at the beginning of the song but did not pan over to her anymore, leaving her reaction to at-home viewers a mystery.

However, a source present at the finale exclusively told The U.S. Sun that Carrie was “mesmerized” by Breanna’s performance the entire time she was on stage.

“Carrie was clearly emotional. There were at least two times when she was seen wiping away tears.

“She was trying to be inconspicuous about it but it did seem like her eyes teared up and she was so moved by what she was witnessing.

“Breanna was always one of Carrie’s favorites all season and she was really rooting for her to win,” the insider claimed.

The mom-of-one from Dalton, Georgia, paid homage to her hometown for her second performance and showed off her powerhouse voice as she sang Miley Cyrus’ The Climb.

Despite being a frontrunner to win the season, she was eliminated as the second-runner up – leaving the winner to be between Jamal or John.

The men delivered stunning performances of their own – with John using his signature deep country twang to sing iconic hits Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue as well as Take Me Home, Country Roads.

Before he was officially named the winner, Jamal gave his best attempt to take home the trophy with an incredible rendition of First Time.

He then honored his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, with a flawless version of The Temptations’ classic Just My Imagination.

Jamal also showcased his vocal range when he performed on stage with Jelly Roll to do a duet of Liar and Unpretty.

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John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts were the top 3 of Idol’s season 23Credit: Getty

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American Idol winner-turned-judge Carrie Underwood poses with Jamal RobertsCredit: Getty

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Jamal Roberts talks to Ryan Seacrest after winning American IdolCredit: Getty
It was then time to get to the results and after the nationwide vote, host Ryan Seacrest officially announced Jamal was the season 23 winner of American Idol.

HEAL YEAH!

Following the crowning achievement, he sang his new single, Heal, which is already available to stream on all platforms.

When asked what he’s going to do next now that the strenuous competition show is over, Jamal joked he planned to “take a nap.”

Reacting to the news of Jamal’s win, judge Lionel Richie praised the young talent for “being able to go anywhere he wants with his career.”

“He can go country tomorrow. I mean, as far as I’m concerned, he’s off to the races.

“And I think what I loved the most was what America needed to see was the two of them standing together.

“That’s what I pray for for America, because we’re a melting pot. We’re not just one particular tribe.

“And so to see them together was just the picture I was hoping for,” Lionel added of runner-up John alongside Jamal.

Carrie, 42, also reacted to Jamal’s win, adding: “At the end, I got to tell him congratulations.

“I said, ‘Now, go do great things.’ Because it’s such an incredible launching pad, springboard, opportunity. He’s got to hustle.

“He’s got to work hard. He’s got to make a lot of big decisions, and then say some prayers and see where the good Lord takes him,” the country star said.

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on the Idol finaleCredit: Getty

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Carrie Underwood dazzled in gold for the season 23 finaleCredit: Getty