Carrie Underwood responds to 'American Idol' boos with defiant message

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Carrie Underwood is laughing off the backlash she’s been receiving as a judge on “American Idol.”

In last night’s episode, the country superstar was met with boos from the audience as she delivered pointed critiques to contestants fighting for a spot in the competition show.

“You guys are gonna boo me. You’re gonna boo me,” Underwood told the crowd at one point during the show. “It’s coming. Bring it on. I love it! Your boos are feeding me.”

Underwood also responded on X, sharing a five-word mic drop and several laughing emojis: “Boo me. I don’t care.”

Social media quickly lit up with speculation that the boos weren’t about Underwood’s judging, but rather about her perceived political beliefs.

Supporters quickly framed the moment as proof that Underwood — long rumored by critics and fans alike to lean conservative — was being targeted for her views.

One comment read, “Cheering for you. Ignore the Hollywood haters. Your true fans think the world of you.”

“So thankful that you’re an example of a strong female role model who shows girls to grandmas that you don’t have to cower to the mob. God bless you for taking those arrows with grace and a smile on your face,” another fan wrote.

Carrie Underwood sings at the inauguration

“Let’s go Carrie! The silent majority LOVE you,” another fan added.

One person wrote, “You’re on the right side of history. Thank you for not selling your soul like the rest of them.”

Others told Underwood that she deserved to be booed.

“I will always like ‘Before He Cheats,’ but you support Tr*mp and so let them boo! You deserve it,” an X user wrote, while another critic added, “Imagine having a song called ‘Love Wins’ and then turning around to support someone who spews hate. Tragic.”

“Carrie Wnderwood being booed for her horrific views should be a message to Hollywood,” another comment read. “Get this maga trash out of here.”

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American Idol judge Carrie Underwood rocks silver boots and black dress at Toby Keith tribute.

Many critics tied the audience reaction directly to Underwood’s performance at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.

Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol after Trump took the oath of office — and when technical difficulties cut the music, she continued a cappella, earning praise from fans and sharp criticism from others.

The former “American Idol” winner has repeatedly maintained she prefers to steer clear of partisan politics.

Carrie Underwood poses in front of the American Idol audience while shrugging

When she confirmed she would perform at the inauguration, she wrote, “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.”

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“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,” she added.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Underwood for comment.