Carrie Underwood’s hotly-anticipated debut as a judge onAmerican Idolwon’t happen until the show premieres on March 9, but fellow judge Lionel Richie’s claims of Carrie’s behavior on set have added fuel to the idea thatCarrie will fail as a judge. Carrie is returning to the show that made her a household name back in 2005 when she won first place on the reality singing competition, beating out Bo Bice for the title ofAmerican Idol. Coming intoAmerican Idolseason 23,she’s the first winner to return as a judgein the show’s history.
American Idoljudge Lionel Richie admitted that Carrie Underwood has been a “nervous wreck” on set.
Lionel’s comments toTV Insiderdid little to dispel the rumors that Carrie will fail as a judge onAmerican Idol.Lionel said that Carrie has been “a nervous wreck” on set since she struggles with telling hopeful contestants “no"and sending them home. Lionel said it’s a struggle he and Luke Bryan can relate to since they felt the same way when they first joinedAmerican Idol.
“It was the same thing we went through: How do I say that many nos? [Carrie] was a nervous wreck. I go home some nights going, ‘Okay, how can I help this contestant?’ We get so invested in their stories and lives that we almost become the parents. We want for them to win in life.”
Still, Carrie has her supporters. Also in the TV Insider interview, long-time hostRyan Seacrest said Carrie’s return proves how powerfulAmerican Idolis. “To bring back one of our own, who is on the same level as the other judges, makes a statement that this show creates superstars,” he said.
What Carrie Underwood Having A Hard Time Saying No Means For American Idol
Carrie Might Struggle In Her Role
Carrie’s return toAmerican Idolseason 23 has been soured by the disappointment some fans feltwhen she performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. Trump’s divisive politics have polarized the country, and many felt let down when Carrie appeared to endorse Trump’s policies by agreeing to perform at his inauguration. FellowAmerican IdolalumConstantine Maroulis defended her decision, saying Carrie has a brand and she’s allowed to do what she wants.
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Carrie’s season ofAmerican Idolpremieres in less than two weeks. If word is that she’s already struggling in her position, though, it can’t be a good sign for the future. Whether she’s too nice to be an effective judge, or people can’t forgive her for supporting the president,she has her work cut out for her to prove she’s worthy of judging the showthat made her famous.
It’s understandable thatCarrie would have a tough timetelling contestants “no,” asshe’s seen up close what it’s like to be on that stage and given a platform likeAmerican Idol, only to be sent home after not having the singing chops to continue. It’s a daunting place to be, especially for some of the younger contestants. Carrie herself was only 21 when she first auditioned.
Our Take On Carrie Underwood Being A “Nervous Wreck” On American Idol
Carrie Underwood Needs A Thicker Skin To Judge
Being a judge on a reality competition show might seem like a dream job, but it’s not easy and it’s not for the faint of heart. Carrie is struggling with having to dash the hopes and dreams of the contestants, and it shows that she has a heart and is empathetic to them, especially since she’s been in their position. Carrie coming back to the show to judge is a prestigious move for her, butalong with that comes thedifficulty of having to actually judge.
American Idolis all about the underdog. It’s about seeing everyday people who have incredible talent make their dreams come true, and it makes viewers feel like they too have the chance at making it big. The show strikes a chord on many levels, from the joy of progressing each week, getting further and further into the competition, to the crushing agony of being sent home before the journey even started.Carrie needs to tap into that energy the audience feels in order to succeedas a judge this season.
American Idolseason 23 premieres Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a revival of the groundbreaking television series that redefined the music competition genre. Premiering on June 23, 2025, it features a new generation of contestants vying for a life-changing recording contract, under the guidance of a panel of renowned judges.
