THE AMERICAN Idol crew has grown to ‘prefer’ Carrie Underwood on the show after enduring ‘chaotic’ years with Katy Perry as a judge, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
Following seven turbulent seasons in the Idol judges’ seat, the Teenage Dream pop star called it quits earlier this year and was replaced by the country sensation – who won the singing competition back in 2005.
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Carrie Underwood poses for a photo during American Idol Season 8 Judges Photo Call in October 2024Credit: Getty
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Katy Perry breaks down in tears after emotional audition as a former finalist returns to IdolCredit: ABC
Katy, 40, announced her departure from American Idol in February to focus on music and months later, released her latest album Lifetimes.
However, the pop album, which includes her lead single Woman’s World, ultimately flopped on the music charts and was heavily panned by critics and fans.
ABC announced shortly after Katy’s exit that country-pop superstar Carrie, 41, would be sliding into her place on the judging panel exactly 20 years after winning season 4.
She will be joining judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – who have starred on the show since 2018.
According to a production insider, Carrie has been a “godsend” for the show – which has already completed filming its nationwide auditions ahead of the March 9 premiere.
“I hate to sound so cheesy but actually it’s like is a ray of sunshine after a chaotic and stormy few years with some of the on-camera talent,” the source said of having Carrie on set.
During her years on the show, Katy was embroiled in controversy – including kissing a younger contestant who later said the move made him “uncomfortable” as well as being accused of “mom shaming” a woman auditioning for the show.
“To put it bluntly, everyone in the crew, the studio suits, all the producers – really everyone is much happier and more comfortable now with Carrie on the panel.
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Carrie Underwood joins returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest, on the American Idol setCredit: Disney
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Ryan Seacrest, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on the American Idol setCredit: Getty
“Katy never fully fit in, there was something always off about her dynamic with the rest of the Idol team. There was also an unpredictability factor there that did not sit right with people.
“Even with Luke and Lionel, it got better but it never quite felt right. Carrie is very professional and a natural.
“She’s been close with Luke for years, knows and adores Ryan and she’s known many of the producers for years too. She hits it off great and bonds well with Lionel.”
The source claimed that “everyone who works on the show 100% prefers working with Carrie to Katy” and in their view, it is “not even a question” of who the better judge is.
“Once the audience sees this new season, I think they’ll feel the same way. Carrie is kind of a combination of Paula and Simon.
“She leads with the niceness of Paula and is so sweet and nurturing to these contestants but she isn’t afraid to give constructive feedback and be honest, a la Simon, when she needs to be.”
Carrie’s season of the show included the iconic original trio of judges who helmed the pop culture juggernaut during its first decade – Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson.
The source revealed that filming this season so far has been “very emotional” for Carrie as her career started on that very same set.
However, since the judging panel is different now than it was back in 2005, the moment that hit Carrie the hardest was seeing Ryan Seacrest – who has hosted every episode of the show since it premiered in 2002 – interacting with the hopeful contestants.
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Carrie auditioned for American Idol in 2005 at just 21-years-oldCredit: Fox
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The country singer broke down in tears as Ryan Seacrest announced her season 4’s winnerCredit: Getty
“This season was really emotional for her after starting out on that same set.
“Since the judges are different from when she was on the show, it didn’t really hit her until she saw Ryan mingling with the contestants getting ready to audition because that was her, that was Carrie not too long ago and now she’s on the other side of the desk.
“A lot of tears were spilled, Carrie was very emotional,” the insider added.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to an Idol rep for comment.
AMERICA’S SWEETHEART
Grammy-winning songstress Carrie was just 21-years-old when she auditioned for Idol and famously had never left her home state of Oklahoma, or had even been on an airplane, before securing her golden ticket to Hollywood.
She impressed the judges immediately and captivated America’s hearts for an overwhelming win over runner-up Bo Bice.
Who are the past American Idol winners?
The previous American Idol winners include:
Kelly Clarkson (2002)
Ruben Studdard (2003)
Fantasia Barrino (2004)
Carrie Underwood (2005)
Taylor Hicks (2006)
Jordin Sparks (2007)
David Cook (2008)
Kris Allen (2009)
Lee DeWyze (2010)
Scotty McCreery (2011)
Phillip Phillips (2012)
Candice Glover (2013)
Caleb Johnson (2014)
Nick Fradiani (2015)
Trent Harmon (2016)
Maddie Poppe (2018)
Laine Hardy (2019)
Just Sam (2020)
Chayce Beckham (2021)
Noah Thompson (2022)
Iam Tongi (2023)
Since her victory, Carrie has gone on to sell over 85 million records worldwide, has had 28 number one singles and has won eight Grammys, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards as well as 25 CMT Music Awards.
After announcing her being cast on the show, Carrie went on Good Morning America to give fans a preview of what they can expect from her as a new judge.
“I do have a big problem … I can’t lie. I feel like I’ll be very honest but hopefully constructive and encouraging,” she admitted.
“It feels like home. There are so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant.
“I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight, and help,” she added.
Season 23 of American Idol premieres on Sunday, March 9, 2025 on ABC.
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Katy Perry criticized a former contestant during a live show last seasonCredit: ABC
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(L-R) Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Ryan Seacrest pose for a photo during American IdolCredit: Getty
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Carrie Underwood during American Idol Top 12 Finalists Party in 2005 at The Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Getty
