TheAmerican Idolproducers made a huge mistake when they chose Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry as a judge becauseshe would’ve been much better suited to host the show. Katy had judgedAmerican Idolfor seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but she left the show in order to shift her focus back to her music career. NowAmerican Idolseason 4 winner and country music superstar Carrie will take her place on the judging panel.
American Idolseason 23is much-anticipated, not only because it’s certain to introduce extraordinarily talented singers, but also because it’s the first time since ABC revived the show in 2018 that there’s a shakeup with the judging panel. One thing that hasn’t changed since the show debuted in 2002, is the host, Ryan Seacrest. However,American Idolcould use another change after over two decades on the air, andCarrie should’ve taken Ryan’s place as the host instead of being a judge.
Carrie Underwood Is Too Nice To Be An American Idol Judge
Carrie Has Admitted To Having A Hard Time Saying No To The Contestants
Ever since she debuted onAmerican Idolin 2005,Carrie has been known for her kind personality and sweet demeanor. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, so it’s hard to imagine her having to give criticism to the contestants, especially since she knows firsthand how difficult it is to compete on the show.Carrie is simply too nice to be anAmerican Idoljudge.
In fact,Carrie herself has admitted that it’s hard for her to say no to the contestants. In an interview withExtra, she said,“Whenever somebody is saying, ‘I can sing another one. I have this song, I have this song,’… I did one yesterday, I was like, ‘Okay.’ But then it’s like that’s even worse because now it’s, ‘It’s still a no.'“Because Carrie is so nice, it’s going to be challenging for her if she has to give a negative review to a contestant.
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On the other hand,if Carrie were theAmerican Idolhost, she’d never have to critique anyone. Through the years, Ryan has been a cheerleader for the contestants, waiting outside the audition room to give them hugs to celebrate or console them, and pumping them up on stage during the live shows. He’s been a constant source of encouragement and support, which is a role that would be perfect for Carrie.
Carrie Underwood Would’ve Also Made A Fantastic Mentor
Carrie Has Already Played The Role
AnotherAmerican Idolrole that would’ve been ideal for Carrie is that of an in-house mentor. During various seasons of the show, people such as record executive Jimmy Iovine (seasons 10-12), formerAmerican Idoljudge and record executive Randy Jackson (season 13), record executive Scott Borchetta (seasons 14 and 15), and radio host Bobby Bones (seasons 16-19), served as permanent, in-house mentors for the contestants, guiding them on their journeys.American Idolshould’ve brought back this role for Carrie because she’d be phenomenal at it.
When Carrie mentored theAmerican Idolseason 20 Top 5 contestants during a week dedicated to her, she helped them to reach new heights. When she meteventual winner Noah Thompson, she told him that she could relate to him because they both grew up in"tiny towns.“In her confessional, Carrie broke down in tears because she said thatAmerican Idolwas created for people like her and Noah who didn’t know that they could dream that big.
Carrie said that it was a beautiful thing, and her decision to audition forAmerican Idolchanged her entire life. She added that to see contestants get every opportunity they’ve ever wanted was just magical.As a mentor, Carrie proved that she could be a fantastic teacher and supporter for the contestants, without having to take on the more difficult role of judging them.
It’s Time For Ryan Seacrest To Pass The American Idol Hosting Torch
Carrie Underwood Has Been A Successful Host Of Other Shows
American Idolhas had 22 amazing seasons, but the show is definitely losing steam as the years go by.The winners in the ABC era of the show have been nowhere near as successful as season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and season 4 winner Carrie, and the contestants haven’t become household names like they did in the FOX years.
AsAmerican Idolcontinues,it’s time to breathe some new life into it, andthat could’ve started with replacing Ryan with Carrie. Ryan just began his new gig as the host ofWheel of Fortune, in addition to his other jobs, so maybe it’s time for him to pass theAmerican Idolhosting torch to someone else.
Through the years,Carrie has proven herself to be an entertaining hostwho has what it takes to carry a show. She’s been the co-host of the CMA Awards on multiple occasions, and even hosted her own holiday special calledCarrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special.She’s made many other TV appearances as well, during which she was charming, funny, and sweet. All of these qualities would make her the perfect host forAmerican Idol.
I Met Carrie Underwood & My Experience Confirms The Type Of American Idol Judge She Will Be
American Idol season 23 will welcome season 4 winner Carrie Underwood as a judge following Katy Perry’s exit from the show after seven seasons.
Although Carrie will be an excellentAmerican Idoljudge due to her experience and her personality, she would’ve been better suited to be the host of the show or even a mentor. After over twenty years, it would’ve been fun to see someone other than Ryan emceeing the singing competition series.Carrie could’ve even joined Ryan as a co-host. Perhaps this change will come in the future, but, for now, it’s going to be thrilling to see Carrie as a judge onAmerican Idolseason 23.
American Idolseason 23 premieres on Sunday, August 20, 2025, on ABC.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.
