Brooks Rosser brought his real-life romance full circle on Taylor Swift Night with a fitting performance of “Love Story,” but instead of a fully glowing review, he was met with one of Carrie Underwood’s toughest critiques of the night.

During the April 27 live episode of American Idol, the Top 7 contestants took on songs from Taylor Swift’s catalog while also celebrating California’s biggest artists. Rosser chose to honor Swift’s Fearless era with “Love Story,” a song that felt especially personal after he had just gone public with his romance with former contestant Rae Boyd the week before.

The romantic song choice made perfect sense for Brooks, whose relationship with Rae became one of the biggest Disney Night moments after she surprised him on stage and declared, “The princess is here to claim her prince.” Since then, fans have been even more invested in both his love story and his Idol journey.

But on Monday night, the focus shifted back to the competition—and the judges had notes.

Luke Bryan praised Brooks’ interpretation of the song, saying, “I just love hearing your interpretation of that,” but he also pushed him to bring more stage energy.

“Just force yourself to always give more energy,” Bryan advised. “You took that energy up there at the end, but I just wanted a little more.”

Lionel Richie echoed that feedback, saying he enjoyed watching Brooks have fun on stage and praising his distinctive tone.

“Your voice is so unique. The storyteller part of that voice you have is so fitting for the song you just did,” Richie said, before encouraging him to add more attitude to his performances.

Then came Carrie Underwood’s moment—and the mood noticeably shifted.

While she made sure to remind him that everyone “loves” him, her delivery came with visible disappointment as she pointed out the issue she felt was holding him back.

“Just breathe,” Underwood told him. “I know it will just come with time, but just breathe and sink into it and let it come out of you.”

The comment landed as one of the harsher critiques Brooks has received this season, especially given how warmly he’s often been praised for his unique tone and emotional delivery. Standing on stage before America’s votes would decide the Top 5, Brooks appeared visibly stunned by the feedback, listening quietly as the judges broke down what they felt was missing.

It was a sharp contrast to earlier weeks when guest mentor Keke Palmer called his voice “one of the most magical voices” she had ever heard and described it as “cinematic” and “soundtrack-worthy.”

Even so, the judges made it clear that their criticism came from belief in his potential, not doubt. Carrie herself has previously reminded viewers that Brooks had never truly performed like this before Idol, calling this only “day one” of what could become a major career.

Still, with the Top 5 reveal hanging over the night, the tension was impossible to ignore—and Brooks’ shocked expression said it all.