The American Idolproducers made a huge mistake when they chose Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry as a judge because she would've been much better suited to host the show. Katy had judged American Idol for seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but she left the show in order to shift her focus back to her music career. Now American Idol season 4 winner and country music superstar Carrie will take her place on the judging panel.
American Idol season 23 is 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 Idol could use another change after over two decades on the air, and Carrie 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 on American Idol in 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 an American Idol judge.
In fact, Carrie herself has admitted that it's hard for her to say no to the contestants. In an interview with Extra, 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 the American Idol host, 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. In fact, when she mentored the American Idol season 20 contestants during a week dedicated to her, she helped them to reach new heights.
It's Time For Ryan Seacrest To Pass The American Idol Hosting Torch
Carrie Underwood Has Been A Successful Host Of Other Shows
American Idol has 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.
As American Idol continues, it's time to breathe some new life into it, and that could've started with replacing Ryan with Carrie. Ryan just began his new gig as the host of Wheel of Fortune, in addition to his other jobs, so maybe it's time for him to pass the American Idol hosting torch to someone else.
Through the years, Carrie has proven herself to be an entertaining host who 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 called Carrie 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 for American Idol.
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 excellent American Idol judge due to her experience and her personality, she would've been better suited to be the host of the show. 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 on American Idol season 23.
American Idol
season 23 premieres on Sunday, March 9, 2025, on ABC.
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.
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