Rumors Suggest Carrie Underwood Might Be Leaving American Idol Already, But The Issue May Not Be What Fans Think

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In Season 23 of American Idol, which aired in the 2025 TV lineup, the singing competition saw a significant boost when Carrie Underwood, one of its homegrown talents, joined the judging panel for the first time since the show debuted in 2002. She stepped in for Katy Perry, alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. However, there’s already chatter suggesting that Carrie might not be returning next season. Yet, the reason could differ from what fans are speculating.

Carrie Underwood’s comeback to American Idol, following her victory in Season 4 back in 2005, sparked varying opinions, with some viewers labeling her as “uninteresting” (don’t we all seem dull next to Katy Perry?). They also felt she struggled when it came to making significant eliminations. As for the competition’s upcoming 24th season, no final decision has been made public yet. However, if Underwood does not return, a source from Life&Style suggests that it won’t be due to her poor performance as a judge, but rather for other reasons. The informant adds:

She spends a considerable amount of time traveling, and she’s deeply missing her children and Mike. This absence is quite challenging for her. They communicate frequently via video call and she takes any opportunity to return home, yet nothing can replace physical presence.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can tell you that being separated from my husband Mike Fisher and our kids, Isaiah (10) and Jacob (6), during the recording of American Idol was quite a challenge. While it’s clear that Carrie Underwood isn’t ready to give up just yet, one has to wonder if this job is something she can realistically maintain for the long haul, given how significantly it seemed to impact her during her initial season.

At the close of each filming day, she’s always utterly exhausted from the ups and downs, and retreats to her hotel room to rest. Those evenings can be challenging since she yearns to be with Mike or reading bedtime tales to her children, but all she can manage is viewing them through a phone screen.

During Carrie Underwood’s journey on American Idol, many fans admired her return to the show’s stage. However, whispers of tension arose as some viewers felt Carrie was unfair towards Jamal Roberts, the eventual winner. This apparent tension seemed to originate during auditions when Carrie criticized Roberts for his stage presence. This criticism appeared to persist throughout the season and finale.

Reports indicate that the Season 4 winner had concerns about receiving only half of the $25 million Katy Perry was said to earn in her role, and while Ryan Seacrest aimed to secure her return for several seasons, Carrie Underwood expressed frustration when he neglected to announce her during American Idol’s initial live show of Season 23.

It’s quite surprising if the judge of American Idol decides to leave after only one season, putting the producers in a situation where they need to find a replacement. However, if the information provided is accurate, it seems that being away from her family might be the main challenge she needs to address. Keep an eye out for updates about Season 24!

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2025-07-01 23:08