Carrie Underwood, the beloved country music superstar and American Idol’s most iconic winner, is currently under a harsh spotlight as new revelations have surfaced suggesting she wasn’t ABC’s first choice to replace pop sensation Katy Perry on the judging panel of American Idol.
The news has left fans surprised and sparked speculation about her future on the show.
Underwood, who won American Idol back in 2005 during its fourth season, was celebrated as a triumphant return to the franchise when she joined the judges’ table this year.
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She took over the role vacated by Perry, who departed after seven seasons to refocus on her music career.
While Underwood’s arrival was met with enthusiasm by many long-time fans, recent reports suggest the network’s decision to cast her may have been more of a compromise than a confident pick.
A production insider revealed to The Sun, “She was not the network’s first pick to be a judge this season.
They spoke with a handful of other A-list artists in pop and country before landing on Carrie. It was not a unanimous decision.”
🤯WOW. Carrie Underwood rips heaven open on national television with rendition of “How Great Thou Art” on American Idol.
This is one of many worship/gospel songs that were sung on the show on Easter Sunday. This video already has 1.5m views on YouTube.
Worship is going viral! pic.twitter.com/VsuPvZpyND
— Joel Mott (@joelmott3) April 23, 2025
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This behind-the-scenes account paints a picture of indecision among executives, implying Underwood’s selection came only after other options were exhausted.
Despite her iconic association with Idol, Underwood has faced a mixed reception in her new role. Some fans have described her as a “breath of fresh air,” while others have criticized her judging style as too restrained or lacking in on-screen chemistry.
These critiques appear to be resonating with the show’s leadership.
The same insider noted that Underwood’s future with the show is far from guaranteed.
“They’ll have more of an idea in the next month or so. Nothing is off the table,” the source said. “At the beginning of filming, everyone thought [Carrie] would be back next year. Now, it’s much more up in the air.”
Perhaps more telling is the suggestion that Underwood herself may be second-guessing her decision to join the show.
“She seems miserable being away from her family and in LA this much. I don’t think she wants to have to answer to TV networks and play the ‘Hollywood’ game, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if she’s one and done,” the insider added. “But again, no decisions have been made yet from either side.”
Did You Know? Carrie Underwood’s Salary (12.5M) on “American Idol” Is Half of What Katy Perry Made (25M) pic.twitter.com/wBZRKUrAze
— info katy perry (@katyperryinfoo) March 16, 2025
The idea that Underwood—who rose to stardom through this very competition—might walk away after just one season would be a jarring twist in the narrative arc of both the show and her career.
Still, it reflects the personal and professional tensions involved in stepping into such a high-profile role.
Interestingly, even before Underwood was announced as Perry’s replacement, fellow judge Luke Bryan spoke candidly about the search for a new judge.
“I’ve said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks,” Bryan told Billboard.
“But they’re being tight-lipped about it. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do. And we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”
Bryan also acknowledged Perry’s significance to the judging panel. “Katy was really perfect for that job and I think they’re just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did,” he said.
Though the current headlines are anything but flattering for Underwood, it’s worth noting that Perry herself offered nothing but praise for her successor.
American Idol is nothing without Katy Perry 😭 had its worst season debut ratings ever (40% of what Katy’s first season had) and trumpie underwood can’t add anything to the show.pic.twitter.com/mKDzlVhYRM
— Witness | the LIFETIMES TOUR ERA (@factsaboutkaty) March 14, 2025
Speaking to People in January, Perry said, “She was born on that show. I think she knows how to steer it. She actually truly knows… what it feels like to be in their shoes. We could only metaphorically feel that as judges.”
That endorsement may provide Underwood with some vindication, especially as the current season barrels toward its finale.
With the top seven contestants remaining, all eyes are on the next episode airing Sunday to see how Underwood continues to carry the torch.
For now, whether Underwood will remain a long-term fixture on American Idol or quietly exit after one season remains uncertain.
What’s clear, however, is that her journey from winning the show to sitting behind the judges’ desk has come full circle—albeit with a few bumps along the way.
Stay tuned as more developments unfold in the coming weeks, both on stage and behind the scenes.
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