Season 23 of American Idol has introduced Carrie Underwood as its newest judge. Fans are hopeful that she has taken viewer feedback into account and will enhance her performance as the series transitions to the live rounds. Although Carrie, a former winner of American Idol Season 4, has made admirable attempts to connect with this year’s contestants, some viewers have expressed disappointment with her judging style thus far. While numerous fans appreciate her presence on the panel, there have been criticisms regarding a few aspects of her approach.
Throughout the auditions, many fans voiced concerns that Carrie seemed to overshadow the contestants. This has raised difficulties in assessing who stands out in the competition. Additionally, Carrie’s judging style has come off as more technical and at times overly intricate than what fans anticipated from her. Despite her status as a beloved country music icon, her on-screen presence has not resonated as joyfully with audiences as expected.
As this is Carrie’s debut season as a judge, it is probable that her awareness of viewer feedback far exceeds the attention she received during her own time as a contestant.
Carrie Underwood on Break from American Idol During Episode Airings
Engaging with Fans on Social Media


During the airing of American Idol Season 23, Carrie and her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, have been on a break from active judging. This hiatus offers a chance for the aired episodes to be digested before moving on to the live shows. Traditionally, this separation between the audition rounds and live performances is a distinctive element of American Idol’s format. Carrie is utilizing this time to watch the episodes alongside her fellow alums and fans, ensuring she remains tuned in to the show’s dynamics.
Even though Carrie may not appear in every episode on ABC, she has actively engaged with her audience through her social media accounts. Her Instagram stories frequently feature recaps and insights, allowing her to share behind-the-scenes content. Moreover, she has been revisiting her journey on the show with her “Idol to Icon”series, reflecting on her own experience from American Idol Season 4 in conjunction with current episodes.
Carrie Underwood and Viewer Feedback
Viewer Criticism

While some viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with Carrie Underwood’s initial judging efforts in Season 23, it’s clear she is receiving ample feedback through social media channels. The online discourse surrounding her performance has highlighted that many fans have found her style difficult to connect with. In fact, Carrie is likely experiencing a higher volume of scrutiny now than she did during her time onstage as a contestant.
Anticipation for Live Shows
Embracing Constructive Criticism
As Carrie absorbs the critiques from American Idol viewers, there’s hope she will take the opportunity to refine her judging skills in preparation for the upcoming live shows. The live format presents a new set of challenges, offering Carrie a fresh canvas to express her judgment. Although she may experience nerves surrounding the live aspect, there is optimism that she will adapt and enhance her approach for the better. A positive shift in her perspective could indeed improve how she is perceived as an American Idol judge.
American Idol airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Source: American Idol/Instagram