American Idol host Ryan Seacrest seems to think that Carrie Underwood is the perfect new judge, and, although there are signs that she'll succeed in the role, he could be wrong. When Katy Perry announced that she was exiting the singing competition after seven seasons as a judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, it seemed that she was irreplaceable. However, the show made a fantastic choice when they selected Carrie because she won American Idol season 4 and has since become a global superstar.
Ahead of the March 9, 2025 American Idol season 23 premiere, Ryan has been protective of Carrie, with whom he's been friends for twenty years. They met when Carrie auditioned for the show in 2004, and he was the one who announced that she was the American Idol season 4 winner. She's returned to the show multiple times since then to perform and once as a mentor during season 20. Ryan and Carrie most recently worked together on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest in December 2024, during which he hosted and she performed. Ryan has a lot of love for Carrie, but is he right to be so confident in her ability to succeed as a judge American Idol?
Ryan's Taken Carrie "Under His Wing" To Boost Ratings
Ryan Knows That Carrie Will Draw In Viewers
Ryan is very savvy when it comes to what makes something a success in the entertainment industry, so he knows that it was a great score for American Idol to sign Carrie on as a judge. Because of this, according to sources, Ryan has really taken Carrie under his wing because he wants her to stay on the show beyond her one-year contract.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
According to Ryan also thinks that Carrie is a huge talent with a fantastic personality. He's made it known that no rivalry will be tolerated.
Things Could Go Awry Like They Did With Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen Unexpectedly Failed As A Judge
Although Ryan has high hopes for Carrie as an American Idol judge, past seasons have proven that some of the most-anticipated judges have failed. In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres ed American Idol season 9, replacing original and beloved judge Paula Abdul. Primarily known as a comedian, actress, and talk show host, Ellen was a popular and well-liked star at the time.
According to news.com.au, when Ellen ed Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi on the judging , it was reported that she'd signed a five-season contract worth tens of millions of dollars. However, Ellen quit American Idol after one season because she said that the show didn't feel like the right fit for her. Fans had questioned her qualifications for being a judge because she wasn't in the music industry, but Ellen argued that she loved music, and she was there to give the audience's point of view.
Ellen later itted that, while she enjoyed the experience of discovering and nurturing young talent, it was hard for her to judge people because it sometimes hurt their feelings. She even called ing American Idol one of the worst decisions she'd ever made. At the time, Ellen was known as the "queen of nice," so it was difficult for her to be a judge. Carrie is also known for her kind and sweet demeanor, and she's already said that it's hard for her to say no to the contestants, so the same thing could happen to her that happened to Ellen.
Ryan Knows Carrie's America's Sweetheart
Carrie Has A Wholesome Image
Ryan thinks that Carrie is the perfect American Idol because she has a wholesome, all-American image. One of her biggest hits is even titled, "All-American Girl." Carrie is originally from Checotah, Oklahoma, and her success story of coming from a small town and skyrocketing to superstardom is the definition of what American Idol is all about.
Jelly Roll Was The Wrong Choice To Be The Artist In Residence For American Idol Season 23 For This One Reason
American Idol season 23 will welcome country music superstar Jelly Roll as its new artist in residence, but he was the wrong choice for the job.
Since she won American Idol season 4 two decades ago, Carrie has sold 85 million records worldwide, released 28 #1 singles, and won 8 Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, 10 People's Choice Awards, and 7 CMA Awards. She's been touring consistently since her win, and her most recent tour was the Denim & Rhinestones tour from 2022-2023. Carrie also has a Las Vegas residency called Reflection, which began in 2021 and will conclude in April 2025, before the live American Idol episodes begin.
Carrie is an absolute phenomenon, so it makes sense that Ryan is excited about her ing the show. She's still extremely popular, so she'll surely bring her extraordinary fan base to American Idol. Carrie is going to be the main attraction on the show, and Ryan couldn't be happier about it.
Katy Perry Got Some Shade Too
Even The Most Popular Judges Have Had Backlash In The Past
Katy was one of the most loved and popular judges in American Idol history, but even she had backlash about her judging occasionally. At times, he was even booed by the live audience for giving critiques to the contestants. During American Idol season 21, she was jeered when she told contestant Nutsa to wear less glitter on stage. Katy was also criticized for not giving contestant Wé Ani any after one of her performances.
It's inevitable that some fans will disagree with Carrie's American Idol contestant critiques, so it'll be interesting to see how she handles it. Katy mostly let the negativity roll off her back, and she didn't let it affect her. Carrie is a completely different type of person from Katy, but hopefully she'll learn how to do this. She's already been handling the backlash about her performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration well, explaining her choice in a statement to People.
Carrie stated, "I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future." Carrie's calm response to her critics is a good sign that, like Katy, she'll be able to handle any negative comments that come her way.
Carrie is An American Idol Legend
American Idol Fans Still Talk About Carrie's American Idol Performances
Ryan was there back in 2005 to witness the beginning of Carrie's extraordinary career. Carrie's spectacular American Idol season 4 performances were some of the best in the show's history. Fans still marvel at her phenomenal performances, and they keep her as the standard for what an American Idol contestant should be. From her sensational audition with Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" to her first performance of her magnificent single, "Inside Your Heaven," Carrie captivated everyone.
Unnamed Source Claims To Know Carrie Underwood's American Idol Season 23 Salary (The Possible Pay Scandal Explained)
An unnamed source has claimed to know Carrie Underwood's American Idol S23 salary. How does it compare with Katy Perry's and will it cause a scandal?
Carrie's most legendary performance was when she sang "Alone" by Heart (shared by markusa51 on YouTube). After her performance, notoriously harsh judge Simon correctly predicted that, not only would she win American Idol season 4, but she'd sell more records than any other previous winner. Carrie's American Idol season 4 win was magical, and she's now bringing that energy back to the show. Ryan knows that she'll be the perfect judge because of it.
Carrie Told An American Idol Season 23 Contestant What To Say
Carrie Meant Well, But This Could Be A Red Flag
As an American Idol season 23 judge, Carrie has already raised some eyebrows with a comment that might be seen as a red flag. In a clip shared by Parade, Carrie ordered auditioning American Idol season 23 contestant Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas, to "never say I'm just a stay-at-home mom," after the hopeful described herself that way. The video began with Carrie saying, "The thing that excites me the most about American Idol is being able to be part of somebody’s story. People bring their kids in, and I get to snuggle with a kiddo watching their mom."
In the preview, Breanna asked Carrie if her son could sit with her while she auditions, which Carrie answered with an enthusiastic yes. When she introduced herself, Breanna said, "I'm just a stay-at-home mom." As Carrie held Breanna's son in her lap, she replied, "Never say I’m just a stay-at-home mom."
Breanna then said of her son, "To know that he's watching his mama go chase after her dreams, I just hope that one day he'll do the same thing." After Breanna auditioned with Carrie's song, "Jesus, Take The Wheel," Carrie hugged her. Then Carrie said, "It was an honor to listen to you sing that song." Although Carrie meant well, it might not be her place to instruct the contestants about what to say. This could be a reason that Ryan might be wrong about her being the perfect judge.
Carrie Has A Kind Personality
Carrie's All About Her Husband & Kids
Ryan knows that Carrie is all about her husband and her kids. She married NHL player, Mike Fisher, on July 10, 2010. Their first son, Isaiah, was born on February 27, 2015, while their second son, Jacob, was born on January 21, 2019. Carrie is a devoted wife and mother, which is why she'll bring a kind presence to the show. She'll see the contestants as someone's child, and she'll treat them as such. In addition, Carrie proved herself to be a fantastic mentor to the American Idol season 20 contestants during a night dedicated to her and her music.
Carrie is also very kind to her fans. I know this from experience because I had the pleasure of meeting Carrie in 2010 at a meet and greet during her Play On tour. She was so sweet and attentive with everyone, getting down to children's level to speak to them and sneaking an extra autograph for a woman in front of me who wanted one for her friend. Carrie also had a genuine interest in my hometown and my life.
I Met Carrie Underwood & My Experience Confirms The Type Of American Idol Judge She Will Be
American Idol season 23 will welcome season 4 winner Carrie Underwood as a judge following Katy Perry's exit from the show after seven seasons.
I told her that I was from Staten Island in New York City, and before she became popular, we never really heard country music here on the radio. However, now, because of her, they play it all the time. She replied, "Really?," and then put her arm around me to take a photograph. Rather than end the conversation there, Carrie was genuinely interested in knowing more about me, and said, "I don't think they even have a country radio station in New York City." I confirmed to her that we didn't.
Again, Carrie could've ended our conversation and rushed to the next fan, but instead she said, "I've never been to Staten Island." I told her that she should come visit our borough, and she said that she would. Then I thanked her and congratulated her on her recent engagement. Carrie gave me a big smile, and said, "Thank you." She made me feel so at ease, and as though I were reuniting with an old friend rather than meeting a music superstar for the first time because she was so down-to-Earth. This will make her an approachable and warmhearted judge who'll make the contestants feel comfortable, safe, and seen.
Carrie Might Overshadow The Show's Aspiring Singers
Carrie's Star Might Shine Brighter Than The American Idol Contestants
Ryan's favoritism towards Carrie might cause her to overshadow American Idol's aspiring singers. She might actually have too much star quality, which will make it hard to focus on anything but her when she's featured on the show. Her star might shine brighter than the newest contestants, especially because she's an American Idol winner and legend.
Although Carrie seems like the perfect American Idol judge in Ryan's eyes, she might end up unintentionally stealing the spotlight from the hopefuls. If Ryan calls more attention to her on the show, it could be detrimental for everyone. In the past, judges such as Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj made everything about them, which made the show hard to watch. However, Carrie herself will definitely want to highlight the contestants and their talents. She'd never purposely try to take the focus away from them.
Ryan thinks that Carrie will be the perfect American Idol judge, and, even though there might be some problems with her presence on the show, overall, I agree that she's going to be amazing. I've been a Carrie fan since her audition, and I know that she truly loves American Idol. Carrie is going to be a tremendous success.
American Idol season 23 premieres on March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sources: OK Magazine, news.com.au, People, markusa51/YouYube, Parade
American Idol
- Release Date
- 2002 - 2016-00-00
- Showrunner
- Nigel Lythgoe
- Franchise(s)
- American Idol
Cast
Brian Dunkleman
WHERE TO WATCH
- Creator(s)
- Simon Fuller
Your comment has not been saved