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Although American Idol’s latest addition, Carrie Underwood, has been solely blamed for the season’s blunders, her co-stars are just as culpable. Carrie debuted as a panelist in the singing competition in the spring of 2025. This country superstar was a replacement for the long-running Katy Perry, who had maintained this position for an impressive seven seasons. The audience was excited about Carrie’s addition, as she was a competitor and winner in 2005. However, this season has been scrutinized, and Carrie seems to be the only contributor held accountable.
Katy was criticized for her direct approach to feedback, but Carrie falls on the other end of the spectrum. Many believe the recent addition to American Idol season 23 has been too lenient with her feedback. As a previous contestant on the show, Carrie has admitted to struggling when rejecting performers. However, she is settling into a new position, and a learning curve is expected. Carrie’s co-stars, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, have been in the same position. Carrie has been continuously improving, and she can’t be blamed for low ratings or negative audience feedback.
Calling Carrie “Too Nice” Doesn’t Make Sense
Luke and Lionel Aren’t Offering Constructive Criticism
Carrie knows just how intimidating and stressful the show’s environment is. Contestants are attempting to prove their talent and self-worth to thousands of people, including several celebrities in their industry. The work is grueling, the performances are often exhausting, and the focus is on mistakes rather than impressive vocal feats. The judges are looking for any reason to eliminate a contestant. Every move, note, and aspect of the performance is meticulously examined. Carrie understandably wants to alleviate some of this pressure.
Carrie has gone out of her way to ensure that every contestant feels heard, welcomed, and appreciated. As an artist who found her fame through a singing competition, she understands how fortunate she was for the opportunity. She wants to give every contestant a fighting chance. When Breanna Nix entered with her husband and toddler, Carrie rushed to hold her son. This enabled Breanna to focus on her performance rather than outside factors. When the talented contestant suggested that her role as a stay-at-home mom was insignificant, Carrie was quick to credit her work, saying:
“Never say ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom.’ You have the most important job.”
Carrie is a highly talented and knowledgeable addition to the cast, but her contributions aren’t limited to her insight. Carrie’s presence has made the competition significantly less intimidating for many contestants. Her co-stars have always worked towards this goal. Only holding Carrie accountable for generally positive comments would be unjust. Luke and Lionel have been sugarcoating their feedback for years.
Luke and Lionel have been letting down contestants gently throughout their seven-season stint on the show. A Reddit thread from 2023 by GeorgeCasey9 confronts the issue online. Viewers have been frustrated with overly gentle language for a while, with one user writing, “The judges cannot ever seem to point out criticism without surrounding it with so much flowery language it gets lost.” The issue has been persistent. It would not be fair to point fingers at Carrie simply because she was the most recent cast member. She has been an easy target.
Carrie’s Criticism Is Undeserved
The Other Judges May Be Outshone By Carrie
When a new cast member is introduced to a well-established show like American Idol, scrutiny is inevitable. The show has been running for 23 seasons, and fans have gotten accustomed to seeing Lionel, Luke, and Katy on the panel. An adjustment period can be expected. Carrie’s been an easy target due to her inexperience and celebrity status. Popular figures will always attract more criticism than the average person.
Haters are more prone to criticizing celebrities due to jealousy, resentment, and distrust. An article in Psychology Today delves into this phenomenon, claiming that celebrities’ large social media presence can invite more criticism. Their large audience and extensive reach mean more viewership from less supportive individuals. The author, Pamela B. Rutledge, explains that “cancel culture” gives people a sense of community and rationalization due to the “pack mentality.” People are more comfortable spreading hatred if they are surrounded by like-minded individuals. Carrie can expect the scrutiny to linger, but it will die down with relevancy.
Discussion regarding Carrie’s involvement is a hot topic now, but with time, people will lose interest. Carrie has signed a multi-year contract and plans on fulfilling it. Her feedback has been continuously improving, and the country superstar has proven her capabilities. She doesn’t deserve public criticism, but producers undoubtedly anticipated it. Carrie is simply paying her dues.
Luke Bryan & Lionel Richie Aren’t Perfect
Carrie’s Is Not The Only Contributor
The focus on Carrie’s performance as a judge is rooted in her late introduction, but her co-stars have gotten off easy. Insinuating that Luke and Lionel are flawless and only Carrie can damage the show’s reputation wouldn’t be fair. Outside of their arguably sugar-coated feedback, Luke and Lionel have been in their fair share of controversy.
Lionel was slammed online for telling one performer, Colin Stough, to “get nasty” when singing Midnight Rider by the Allman Brothers Band. Criticism ranged from confusion regarding the meaning of the word to anger with the “inappropriate” language. He attracted attention for his eliminations as well. Lionel claimed that certain contestants were rejected because they “don’t know who they are.” In a Quora post, viewers argue about the meaning of this statement. Some believe that Lionel was suggesting contestants find their own style, but his feedback was arguably vague.
Luke’s biggest controversy surrounded a less-than-ideal confrontation with one contestant, Madai ChaKell. After he offered criticism regarding her “shaky voice,” Madai mocked his southern accent in the lyrics. Luke asked her why she emphasized the word “heart” and incorporated a southern twang. The environment was tense, and when Madai left, Luke commented, “Maybe we’ll do an American humble at some point.” Some fans considered Luke’s responses overly sensitive. While incredibly talented performers, Luke and Lionel are not perfect, and Carrie shouldn’t be expected to be either.
Will Carrie Continue On The Show?
Carrie Is An Asset To The Competition
Carrie is an empathetic, talented, and knowledgeable performer. She has been and will continue to be an asset to the judging panel. Her contributions have not been limited to her diplomatic nature. Carrie has offered genuine, constructive feedback that has aided in the contestant’s development.
She has signed up for this competition for several years, and she is more than capable of completing her full term. The criticism is at its peak, as she has been recently introduced, but the superstar can expect outrage to die down in the coming weeks. Carrie has the potential to be American Idol’s favorite judge, but it will take time.
American Idol airs Sundays & Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Sources: GeorgeCasey9/Reddit, Psychology Today, Quora
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