Carrie Underwood Faces Backlash in Her American Idol Judging Debut
Carrie Underwood’s transition from American Idol champion to judge hasn’t been as smooth as some fans had hoped. Since stepping in as Katy Perry’s replacement for Season 23, the country superstar has struggled with the demands of the panelist role—and viewers are taking notice.
While Katy Perry was known for her direct and sometimes divisive critiques, Carrie’s softer, more supportive approach has sparked criticism. Many feel she’s too hesitant when it comes to eliminating contestants, and her reluctance to say “no” may be impacting the competition’s credibility.
A Rocky Start for a Country Superstar
Carrie, who won American Idol in 2005, entered Season 23 with optimism, but her lenient feedback and difficulty making tough calls have raised concerns. Despite her kind and nurturing presence—which has comforted many contestants—Carrie appears overwhelmed by the responsibility that comes with judging.
Sources say she may even be rethinking her decision to sign a multi-year contract.
Co-Judges Speak Out
During an interview on The Tonight Show, co-judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie playfully shared their experience working with Carrie. Lionel jokingly mimicked her tendency to approve nearly every contestant, saying:
“First contestant? ‘Yes, go through.’ Second? ‘Yes.’ Third? ‘Ohhh, she’s so cute!’ And we’re like, ‘Carrie, it’s a no!’”
Carrie defended herself with a laugh, but Lionel quipped back, “It was firm. It was a no.”
Later, Lionel told TV Insider that Carrie had been “a nervous wreck”—an honest admission of her visible discomfort with making eliminations.
Ratings Concerns and Industry Reactions
According to RadarOnline, ratings have taken a dip since Carrie joined the panel. One anonymous source said:
“They expected her to bring star power. Instead, viewers are tuning out—and execs are worried.”
Some industry insiders believe Carrie’s struggle to cut contestants is muddying the voting process and diluting the competition’s stakes.
Carrie Speaks on Her Struggles
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Carrie acknowledged that her own past as a contestant makes it harder for her to eliminate others:
“I don’t take it lightly that we have people’s future in our hands,” she said, visibly emotional after a night where six of ten contestants were cut.
Admitting the pressure is intense, she added:
“I just wanted to pass the buck to Luke and Lionel… I don’t want to be put in that position again.”
While her intentions are clearly heartfelt, the weight of the role seems to be taking a toll on the superstar.
Does Carrie Have What It Takes to Stay?
Despite the backlash, Carrie Underwood remains a valuable addition to the show. Her empathy, experience, and genuine connection with the contestants bring a warmth that’s hard to replace.
She may be facing a steep learning curve, but with time and adjustment, Carrie has the potential to become a fan-favorite judge. That will require her to grow more comfortable with the hard truths of competition—and to realize that sometimes, the most loving thing a judge can say is “no.”