AITAH for applying to the same job my former boss/friend applied for?

I (43F) worked for a telecom company, originally hired by J (38M), who became a close friend. I followed him to a couple of companies because I respected his leadership. A year ago, J lett our last job because of shady practices on behalf of the business. I stayed, but eventually I got fired from the shady business, and now I'm in a legal battle.
We're both job hunting now. J mentioned a job in a different county. I checked out the same company and saw a similar role in the next County over, so I applied happily.
Turns out it’s the same damn job! J told me his interviews went well, & I celebrated this with him, but then I got interviewed too. The recruiter even said they'd nearly decided on J until I came along!
I told J, and he seemed shaken. But here's what's confusing: J told the recruiter, "If I don't get it, T (me)would be an excellent candidate." Despite his shaken confidence, he spoke highly of me. Now l teel guilty. I'm unemployed, I need this job badly, and J has job & other options in the mix. Still, should I have withdrawn out of loyalty to him? AITAH?