For over two decades, American Idol has been a cultural juggernaut, launching the careers of stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Abi Carter, while captivating audiences with its blend of raw talent and emotional storytelling. But as the show wrapped up its 23rd season on May 13, 2025, the spotlight has shifted from the contestants to the judges’ table, where a storm of controversy brews. Fans are up in arms, flooding social media with pleas to producers: “Don’t bring this judge back next season!” The backlash is real, and the target of their ire is none other than Carrie Underwood, the Season 4 winner who returned to the show as a judge in 2025, replacing Katy Perry. What was meant to be a triumphant homecoming for Underwood has instead ignited a firestorm of criticism, raising questions about her fit for the role and the future of American Idol.
When American Idol announced in August 2024 that Underwood would join veteran judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, the news was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Underwood, a country music superstar with eight Grammy Awards and over 85 million records sold, seemed like a natural choice. She was, after all, one of the show’s most successful alums, a living testament to the Idol dream. “This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home,” said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, at the time. Fans were eager to see how Underwood’s firsthand experience as a contestant would shape her perspective, hoping she’d bring authenticity and insight to the panel.
However, as Season 23 unfolded, those hopes quickly turned to disappointment for many viewers. The season premiered on March 9, 2025, following a special preview after the Oscars on March 2, and Underwood’s debut was a major draw. Yet, her first episode left fans underwhelmed. Critics noted that her chemistry with Bryan and Richie felt forced, lacking the easy camaraderie that had defined the previous panel with Perry. Underwood’s feedback, while earnest, often came across as stiff and overly gentle, focusing on emotional performances rather than offering the constructive criticism contestants needed to grow. “She didn’t appear to have strong opinions unless the performance was moving,” one review pointed out, echoing a sentiment shared by many fans.
Social media became a battleground for Idol viewers, with some expressing frustration over Underwood’s judging style. A post on X captured the mood succinctly: “Terrible judge. Thank ya!” The comment, made on May 13, 2025, just after the Top 3 contestants were announced, reflected a growing chorus of discontent. Fans criticized Underwood for being too soft, a stark contrast to the blunt honesty of former judge Simon Cowell or even the playful edge Perry brought to the table. “Carrie’s too nice,” another fan wrote on X. “She can’t give real critique, and it’s not helping the contestants.” Others felt her megastardom overshadowed the contestants, making it hard for her to connect with their struggles. “She’s too big a name to relate,” one viewer tweeted, a sentiment that echoed pre-season concerns about her fit for the role.
Underwood’s defenders, however, argue that she’s been unfairly judged. Producers have stepped in to support her, telling US Weekly that viewers would “discover so many layers” of Underwood throughout the season. They highlighted her unique perspective as a former Idol winner, noting that her “firsthand experience” brought something new to the table. During auditions, Underwood showed moments of genuine emotion, such as when she was moved to tears by contestant Slater Nalley’s original song “Traces of You,” a tribute to a lost loved one. “Every single person that hears that can fill in that memory with somebody,” she told Nalley, her voice breaking. These moments showcased her empathy, but for many fans, they weren’t enough to offset her lack of critical feedback during live shows.
The backlash against Underwood isn’t just about her performance—it’s also a reflection of American Idol’s evolving identity. The show has a long history of judging controversies, from Cowell’s harsh “bush baby” remark to a contestant in 2006 to Perry’s own struggles with fan criticism in 2023, when she was accused of mom-shaming a contestant. Perry faced boos and backlash during her final season, leading her to reportedly consider quitting, feeling that the show was tarnishing her legacy. Underwood’s experience seems to follow a similar pattern, with fans quick to compare her to her predecessors. “Katy brought an edge that Carrie just doesn’t have,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “I miss her bold outfits and over-the-top antics.”
Some viewers have suggested that Idol needs a judge who can balance honesty with charisma, pointing to past judges like Paula Abdul as a potential model. Abdul, who served on the panel from Seasons 1 to 8, was known for her nurturing demeanor but faced criticism for lacking critical depth—much like Underwood. In 2024, fans on Reddit proposed Abdul’s return as Perry’s replacement, with some arguing that her nostalgia and pop background could revitalize the panel. “She’s seasoned, she’s a dancer, a pop singer, a sensation,” one supporter wrote. However, others were less enthusiastic, calling her “not relevant” or “unintelligible” as a judge. The debate underscores a broader challenge for Idol: finding a judge who can appeal to a diverse audience while delivering meaningful feedback.
Underwood’s struggles also highlight a shift in American Idol’s tone since its revival on ABC in 2018. During the Fox era, the show was known for its raw, sometimes brutal honesty, with Cowell’s critiques often making headlines. But on ABC, the judging has leaned toward positivity, with Bryan, Richie, and Perry frequently offering praise over criticism. This “gentleness,” as one critic put it, has frustrated fans who feel the show lacks the competitive edge it once had. “There have been times when contestants were off-key, but the judges still raved about them,” a review of Season 23 noted. Underwood’s reluctance to call out flaws has only amplified this frustration, leading some to question whether the show’s format needs a broader overhaul.
Despite the backlash, Underwood has her supporters. Contestants like Gabby Samone and John Foster, who made it to the Top 5 in Season 23, praised her for her warmth and encouragement. “There’s something so wonderfully throwback about your voice,” Underwood told Foster after his emotional performance of an original song, offering a tender critique that resonated with the young country singer. Fans who appreciate her sincerity argue that she’s still finding her footing. “Give her time,” one viewer tweeted. “She’s new to this, and she’s trying her best.” Others point out that her presence has brought a fresh perspective, especially for contestants in the country genre, which has dominated Idol in recent years with winners like Chayce Beckham and Noah Thompson.
As American Idol looks ahead to Season 24, the question of Underwood’s future looms large. The show has a history of shaking up its judging panel in response to fan feedback—Randy Jackson, the only original judge to stay through Season 12, left in 2013 amid declining ratings, and Perry’s exit in 2024 followed years of mixed reactions. Producers may face pressure to make a change, especially with Season 23’s premiere drawing criticism for its “boring turnout” and lack of panel chemistry. Some fans have suggested bringing back former judges like Jennifer Lopez or even introducing a new face like Meghan Trainor, who was a guest coach in Season 21 and a favorite of Bryan’s.
For now, American Idol remains a ratings powerhouse, but the backlash against Underwood has sparked a broader conversation about what fans want from the show. Do they crave the unfiltered honesty of the early years, or are they looking for a balance of kindness and critique? Can a judge like Underwood, whose career has soared to heights most contestants can only dream of, truly connect with their journey? As the dust settles on Season 23, one thing is clear: the fans’ voices are loud, and they’re begging producers to listen. Whether Underwood returns or a new judge takes her place, Idol’s next chapter will need to address these concerns—or risk losing the heart of its audience.
