American IdolhostRyan 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 wonAmerican Idolseason 4 and has since become a global superstar.
Ahead of the March 9, 2025American Idolseason 23premiere,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 theAmerican Idolseason 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 onDick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrestin 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 judgeAmerican 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, sohe knows that it was a great score forAmerican Idolto 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.
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According toOK Magazine, a source says thatRyan wants Lionel and Luke to make Carrie feel welcome, not only because they’re friends, but because he wants her on the show for more than one season. He thinks that having one ofAmerican Idol’sbiggest success stories sitting at the judges' table will be inspiring for all of the contestants.Ryan also thinks that Carrie is a huge talentwith 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 anAmerican Idoljudge, past seasons have proven that some of the most-anticipated judges have failed. In 2010,Ellen DeGeneres joinedAmerican Idolseason 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 tonews.com.au, when Ellen joined Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi on the judging panel, it was reported that she’d signed a five-season contract worth tens of millions of dollars. However,Ellen quitAmerican Idolafter one seasonbecause 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 admitted 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 joiningAmerican Idolone 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, sothe 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 perfectAmerican Idolbecauseshe 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 whatAmerican Idolis all about.
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Since she wonAmerican Idolseason 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 theDenim & Rhinestonestour from 2022-2023. Carrie also has a Las Vegas residency calledReflection, which began in 2021 and will conclude in April 2025, before the liveAmerican Idolepisodes begin.
Carrie is an absolute phenomenon, so it makes sense that Ryan is excited about her joining the show. She’s still extremely popular, so she’ll surely bring her extraordinary fan base toAmerican 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
Katy was one of the most loved and popular judges inAmerican Idolhistory, 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. DuringAmerican Idolseason 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 feedback after one of her performances.
It’s inevitable that some fans will disagree with Carrie’sAmerican Idolcontestant 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 toPeople.
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 spectacularAmerican Idolseason 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 anAmerican Idolcontestant 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.
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Carrie’s most legendary performancewas when she sang “Alone” by Heart (shared bymarkusa51on YouTube). After her performance, notoriously harsh judge Simon correctly predicted that, not only would she winAmerican Idolseason 4, but she’d sell more records than any other previous winner.Carrie’sAmerican Idolseason 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 anAmerican Idolseason 23 judge,Carrie has already raised some eyebrows with a comment that might be seen as a red flag. In a clip shared byParade,Carrie ordered auditioningAmerican Idolseason 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.“AsCarrie 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.“AfterBreanna 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 June 17, 2025. Their first son, Isaiah, was born on August 11, 2025, while their second son, Jacob, was born on August 04, 2025.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 theAmerican Idolseason 20 contestants during a night dedicated to her and her music.
Carrie is also very kind to her fans. I know this from experience becauseI had the pleasure of meeting Carrie in 2010 at a meet and greet during herPlay Ontour.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.
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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 overshadowAmerican Idol’saspiring 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 anAmerican Idolwinner and legend.
Although Carrie seems like the perfectAmerican Idoljudge 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 attempt to take the focus away from them.
Ryan thinks that Carrie will be the perfectAmerican Idoljudge, 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 lovesAmerican Idol.Carrie is going to be a tremendous success.
American Idolseason 23 premieres on March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
