'Not Watching Anymore': Viewers React to Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' Judging Debut

A new "American Idol" era has begun, but not all fans are on board. As the latest season kicked off, viewers had plenty to say about the show's newest judge — a former champion of the show.

The highly anticipated new season of "American Idol" premiered on March 9, 2025, on ABC, sparking a buzz online.

The popular singing competition brought back familiar faces while also introducing a major change to the judging panel. Ryan Seacrest returned as host, with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie continuing their roles as judges.

However, the most significant shift was the addition of "American Idol" season four winner Carrie Underwood, who replaced Katy Perry as a judge.

Underwood's debut on the panel sparked a wave of reactions from viewers. While some fans were excited about her presence, others expressed concerns about her approach compared to Perry's more playful and animated style.

One viewer shared, "Carrie needs to share more genuine personality and it appears that my comment mentioning how she related in episode one for the new season auditions [sic]."

They also noted that her insight as a former contestant could be valuable for those auditioning and hoped she would use her experience to support and guide them throughout the competition.

Others missed Perry's energy, with one fan writing, "Going to miss the Funny stuff that Katy always did!! Hope it continues, but it looks like Carrie Underwood is to serious! Hmmm! Will it be good this year! I always look forward for American Idol!! Well see [sic]!!"

Some reactions were more critical, with one person commenting, "Get some character traits Carrie, from what I've seen: Boring [sic]!" Another simply stated, "Nope not watching anymore sorry [sic]."

Despite the mixed reactions, there was also strong support for Underwood. A fan expressed enthusiasm, saying, "I am so excited for this season. Having Carrie Underwood as a judge is awesome! She's been there done that so that will really help the contestants [sic]."

Another viewer called her a "great addition to the show" and described her as "such an inspiration."

One audience member gave a more neutral take, noting, "Watching it now. So far good show. Lots of good talent. Welcome Carrie Underwood [sic]!"

Just days before her "American Idol" debut, Underwood turned heads during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 5, 2025. Her striking look from the show quickly became a hot topic, sparking a wave of reactions from fans.

Viewers quickly took notice of the singer's ensemble, which highlighted her signature style and toned physique. She wore a sleek metallic mini dress with intricate embellishments that shimmered under the studio lights, accentuating her sculpted legs.

The form-fitting design featured sheer sleeves and a plunging neckline, adding a bold touch to the look. The star's voluminous waves flowed around her face, enhancing her glowing complexion, while her signature smoky eye and glossy nude lip pulled the look together effortlessly.

Underwood joined "American Idol" judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the appearance, adding to the excitement of the night.

She later took to Instagram to share moments from the studio, posting a photo with the musicians and captioning it, "Had such a great time with @jimmyfallon, @lionelrichie and @lukebryan on @FallonTonight!"

While some admired Underwood's toned legs, others were critical of her appearance. Someone remarked, "[...] Yikes on the Botox and fillers."

Others commented, "She ruined her face" and "Don't like the new lips, go back to natural." Another questioned her beauty choices, "What did she do to her lips?" while one individual expressed disapproval, "Too much makeup and fake lips."

Another noted how different she looked compared to her younger years, "She looks so different now, I remember her as young and very pretty."

As discussions about her appearance continued, Underwood's latest career move also made headlines. She stepped into a new role as a judge for the 23rd season of "American Idol," joining Bryan, Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest.

The show's official Instagram account announced its premiere date, encouraging viewers to tune in on ABC and Hulu.

Reactions varied, with some expressing excitement about her involvement, while others were less enthusiastic about the addition to the judging panel.

Regardless of mixed opinions, Underwood embraced the opportunity with gratitude, acknowledging in an interview the impact the show has had on her life.

"They're probably going to get sick of like 'when I was on the show,'" she joked, recognizing how often she references her own experience.

For two decades, she has returned in different capacities — whether as a mentor or performer — and now, stepping into a judging role, she considers the show her home.

Despite her familiarity with the competition, the superstar admitted to feeling some nerves about this new responsibility. "Critiquing and telling people 'No.' It is people's dreams, and I don't take that lightly," she explained.

However, "The Champion" singer also sees it as an opportunity to guide aspiring artists, adding, "But it is exciting to be part of other people's journeys."

Underwood's return to "American Idol" as a judge brings her journey full circle, nearly two decades after winning the competition.

She reflected on that life-changing experience during an interview on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," recalling the whirlwind of events that followed her 2005 victory.

At just 21 years old, she stepped onto the stage as contestant number 14887 — a number she still remembers and keeps the original tag sticker from.

Growing up in a small town, the idea of boarding a plane to Los Angeles for the show felt surreal to her. As she shared memories from that time, a playback clip of her winning moment appeared on the screen.

Fallon acknowledged how far she has come, to which the Oklahoma native responded, "It's been amazing."

Underwood's journey from a hopeful contestant to a celebrated artist has been filled with defining moments. One of those came on January 20, 2025, when she took the stage at the U.S. Capitol to perform "America the Beautiful" following Donald Trump's swearing-in as the 47th president.

Underwood arrived at the inauguration in a sleeveless dove gray draped midi dress, paired with ivory leather pumps and a diamond leaf ring.

She took the stage alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, prepared to perform "America the Beautiful."

However, a technical malfunction left her without instrumental backing. Standing before Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, she turned to the audience for support, saying, "You know the words, help me out here," before delivering an a cappella rendition.

Many in the crowd sang along, and after finishing, she shook hands with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The moment quickly gained attention online, with some pointing out flaws in her vocals.

One listener remarked, "She sounds off-key. She will do better next time," while another noted, "She didn't find the note; she was off-key!"

A harsher take read, "I didn't expect Carrie Underwood to be great a cappella, but I expected her to at least be able to carry a tune. I'm stunned how off-key she is. Years of relying on auto-tune."

Others focused on her vocal control, with one saying, "Not her sounding flat and out of breath," and another questioning the performance, "The mic was NOT on."

However, not all reactions were critical. Some defended her effort, with one person commenting, "Not bad. I could tell when the engineers started making it sound better...but overall good performance from what you shared here."

Other people praised her voice, with one calling it "stellar" and another stating it is "angelic."

One fan appreciated her ability to navigate the situation, "Carrie performed great! It was obvious that she was nervous because she told the crowd to sing along if they knew the words. She didn't crack under the pressure…she sounded awesome!"

Underwood had shared her excitement about performing at the inauguration. She described it as an honor and a way to express her love for the country.

"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," the music star added.

While reactions to her decision were divided, she remained unfazed by the controversy surrounding it. A source close to the singer revealed, "She understands the backlash, but she also doesn't care."

While some fans backed her, others were quick to express their disapproval. However, her participation was not about politics. The insider clarified that her performance was not in support of President Donald Trump but a tribute to the American people.

"She is a former American Idol, and America made her dreams come true. This is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever," the source explained.

Underwood's recent appearances, from "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to her inauguration performance, have kept her in the spotlight, drawing both praise and criticism.

While some questioned her choices, she remained focused on honoring the country and embracing new opportunities.

Carrie Underwood's return to "American Idol" as a judge marks a full-circle moment in her career, solidifying her place in the industry. Nearly two decades after winning the competition, she continues to make headlines and captivate audiences.