‘American Idol’ Fans Debate Whether Carrie Underwood Is a ‘Good Choice’ as New Judge

Carrie Underwood is returning to the television show that made her a star, but this time in a new role. However, not all viewers are thrilled about her homecoming.

Reality TV may be ever-changing, but “American Idol” still knows how to keep its fans hooked. After Katy Perry’s recent exit, the show brought in Carrie Underwood as its newest judge—a move that has left some viewers unhappy with the switch.

A netizen’s comment on Carrie Underwood replacing Katy Perry on “American Idol,” posted in October 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/americanidol

Netizens have voiced concerns over the show’s lack of diversity in musical genres represented by the judges. One viewer commented, “I don’t think Carrie is a good choice. We already have a country judge. So now we have two country and one contemporary? No pop genre judge.”

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Ryan Seacrest at the “American Idol” season 8 press event in New York City on October 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Another shared a similar concern, “I wish they would have replaced Katy with another pop singer, too much country in the judging.” Echoing this, a netizen pointed out the need for artists from another genre “to balance out” the judges.

A netizen’s reaction to the lack of pop artists as judges on “American Idol,” posted in October 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/justjared

Frustration grew, with one critic demanding, “Pop act please [sic] someone relevant 🙄 Carrie just isn’t adding anything.”

Carrie Underwood at ABC’s “Good Morning America Summer Concert Series” in New York City on August 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

However, some fans are thrilled about Underwood stepping into the role alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. One supporter praised Underwood’s talent and expressed excitement about seeing her mentor contestants alongside Richie and Bryan.

A netizen’s reaction to Carrie Underwood’s new role as judge on “American Idol,” posted in October 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/AmericanIdol

Another agreed, stating, “Katy was okay but I’m so glad Carrie Underwood is the replacement. Somebody who knows real talent!”

Carrie Underwood at the 2024 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City on June 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Still, not all are convinced by the change. “No one can replace Katie [sic] Perry. Especially NOT Carrie Underwood. Won’t be watching anymore- [sic] so disappointing,” one dissatisfied viewer expressed. Another simply wrote that Underwood was a “Bad replacement” for Perry.

Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and host Ryan Seacrest on “American Idol” on October 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Despite some criticism, others see Underwood’s experience as a valuable addition. One fan noted that while they appreciated Perry’s lively presence, having a former winner as a judge is a “good thing.”

A netizen’s comment on Carrie Underwood’s role as a judge after Katy Perry’s exit from “American Idol,” posted in October 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/AmericanIdol

At the beginning of August, it was announced that Underwood would be the new judge of the show, which launched her music career 20 years ago.

Underwood auditioned as a contestant in 2004 and emerged as the show’s winner the following year. “today I am now one of those judges searching for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL [sic]!” she shared on her Instagram page.

Amid mixed reactions from fans, Underwood shared her thoughts on returning to the show. “It feels like going home,” she said, adding that many of the people who worked on the show years ago are still part of the team today.

Carrie Underwood after being declared the winner during the “American Idol” finale on May 25, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Underwood also spoke about her connection to the show. “It’s part of me that’s part of my history, so hopefully I can just bring that into my advice for the people that are standing in front of us,” Underwood said.

Carrie Underwood sharing her thoughts as the new “American Idol” judge in an interview with ExtraTV, posted on October 3, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/extratv

Reflecting on how her experience as both a contestant and a star will shape her role as a judge, Underwood believes she can offer her unique views to the contestants. “I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint,” she explained.

Carrie Underwood speaking about judging “American Idol” contestants, posted on August 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/goodmorningamerica/

However, Underwood acknowledged one challenge she’d be facing, revealing, “I can’t lie. I just can’t. You can tell.” She assured fans that while she intends to be truthful, she will strive to be constructive and encouraging in her feedback.

She also admitted that one of the hardest parts of being a judge is telling contestants “no,” especially when they ask for another chance by offering to sing a different song. Even after letting them try again, she often still has to reject them, which makes it more difficult because, despite their efforts, the answer remains the same.

Carrie Underwood‘s return to “American Idol” marks a full-circle journey—first as a contestant, then a winner, and now a judge. Set to join Richie and Bryan in 2025, her presence brings a new layer of excitement to the show, as avid viewers eagerly await how her experience will shape the next generation of talents.