American Idolseason 23 welcomedCarrie Underwood as a new judgeon the show, and though many were hopeful that she’d be able to fit the role as a former winner,her lackluster debut has producers doing damage control for her performance. As a formerAmerican Idolwinner, Carrie seemed like she may be able to take on the judge’s panel after the departure of former judge Katy Perry. Despite knowing that her time on the show was a lifetime ago, Carrie appeared to be ready to take on the challenge, coming from a place of genuine understanding and empathy.
While Carrie’s time onAmerican Idolseason 23has been teased out by the series for months, the former winner has been getting panned in her first appearances on the show. After winningAmerican Idolseason 4, Carrie became one of the world’s country megastars. As one of the fewAmerican Idolwinners who have found genuine, groundbreaking success on the show, Carrie was able to leverage her career in order to fulfill herself in various parts of her life. Now, as anIdoljudge in her own right, it appearsCarrie’s performance has producers scrambling to defend their decision.
Carrie’s layers could be peeled back throughout American Idol season 23.
American Idol Season 23’s Premiere Showed Carrie’s Lack Of Chemistry
The Judges Panel Isn’t Clicking With Carrie
AsCarrie’s debut on theAmerican Idolseason 23premiere has grown closer, it’s been clear that she was one of the main draws of tuning in for some viewers. While the show has die-hard fans who will watch no matter who’s at the judge’s table, Carrie was a big draw for some as she’s the first former winner to judge the competition. After watching the first episode, however,many felt underwhelmed by Carrie’s contributions.
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With a somewhat boring turnout in the premiere, it was clear that Carrie was new. Her chemistry with herfellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richiewasn’t strong enough to make her feel like a solid part of the judging panel. While Carrie was able to speak well about the performances she saw,she didn’t appear to have strong opinions unless the performance was emotionalor moving, and her judging abilities weren’t shown outright in the way many hoped they would be.American Idolviewers were hoping for more from Carrie right off the bat.
Carrie’s Performance Has Producers Scrambling To Defend Her
Producers Are Looking For A Silver Lining
AlthoughCarrie’sperformance could improve asAmerican Idolseason 23 continues, her time as a judge thus far has been met with criticism, and her decisions have been called into question both within the scope of the show and outside of it.American Idolproducers have stepped up to defend Carrie from critics, sharing withUS Weeklythat viewers will“discover so many layers [of Carrie] throughout the season.”Explaining that it felt like the right choice to bring Carrie in as a judge after Katy’s departure, production shared that her“firsthand experience”was“bringing something new to the table.”
Carrie’s Stardom Hasn’t Made Her American Idol Journey Easy
She’s Faced Criticism From The Jump
AlthoughCarrie has been excited for the idea joiningAmerican Idolthroughout the last few months, her time on the show has been panned since before she joined the series. Carrie’s megastardom has been something that viewers and critics have called into question, wondering if she may be too big a name to be able to work with the contestants. While Carrie’s star has only grown since her time onAmerican Idol,her counterparts on the judges table are equally, if not more famous. Regardless, some have struggled to accept her as anAmerican Idoljudge thus far.
Even with criticism about her potential and the possibility she’d overshadow contestants,American Idolviewers were hopefulto be proven wrong on the series.Carrie’s first episode, however, was met with a mixed bag of reviews from fans and critics, making it clear that it may not have been the best choice to bring her aboard. With Carrie being such a big star, there were expectations about what she would be like as anIdoljudge. Carrie’s performance, while making it clear that she was returning to her roots, often felt stiff in the excitingAmerican Idolseason 23 premiere.
American Idol Producers Should’ve Tested Carrie Before Offering Her A Spot
She Wasn’t Prepared For The Difficulty
While Carrie’s layers could be peeled back throughoutAmerican Idolseason 23, it seems likely that producers should’ve chosen to test their new cast member before bringing her into the fold. Though the producers are right thatCarrie has experience on the showthat no judge has ever had before, the fact that she’s been in the contestants’ shoes could wind up being less of a benefit than they imagine. With Carrie not clicking with her fellow judges and rubbing someAmerican Idolviewers the wrong way,bringing her in as a guest judge may have been a better choice.
American Idolairs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC, then streams on Hulu the following day.
