Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol as a judge in Season 23 has been met with mixed reactions, leading to speculation about her future on the show. Her journey from contestant to judge marked a full-circle moment. However, some fans and insiders have expressed concerns. And reports suggest that Underwood was not the network’s first choice to replace Katy Perry and that her influence may be affecting the show’s legacy. So, will she stay or go? Here’s what sources are talking about.

Is Carrie Underwood leaving ‘American Idol’ after season 23? Here’s what a source says

Carrie Underwood’s debut season as a judge on American Idol Season 23 has been both a nostalgic homecoming and a challenging transition. As one of the show’s most iconic alumni, her presence brought star power and credibility to the panel. However, stepping into the judging role after Katy Perry’s high-profile exit came with expectations that some fans think she hasn’t met.

Viewers and industry insiders have noted that Underwood’s critiques often lean safe or overly cautious, with occasional moments of unexpected harshness. Behind the scenes, rumors suggest she has clashed with producers over the direction of the show, particularly regarding contestant selection and the tone of judge feedback. Underwood allegedly championed the “Songs of Faith” special, which was a divisive move by ABC.

So, what does this mean for Underwood moving forward? A source told The U.S. Sun that Underwood might be “one and done” as far as judging Idol is concerned.

“At the beginning of filming, everyone thought [Underwood] would be back next year,” the source revealed. “Now, it’s much more up in the air. Her Idol future is much more uncertain now than it was, and I think that feeling is mutual. She seems miserable being away from her family and in LA this much. I don’t think she wants to have to answer to TV networks and play the ‘Hollywood’ game, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if she’s one and done.”

The source noted that the producers have yet to make any decisions regarding the season 24 judges’ panel.

ABC allegedly felt divided about Carrie Underwood joining ‘American Idol’ Season 23

Many American Idol fans were excited to see Carrie Underwood join the judges’ panel for season 23. The country singer got her start by winning season 4 of the series, and she has a lot of insight to provide to the contestants that Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie don’t have. That said, another source told The U.S. Sun that ABC felt divided on whether they should bring Underwood into the fold.

Underwood was “not the network’s first pick to be a judge this season,” a production insider alleged. “They spoke with a handful of other A-list artists in pop and country before landing on Carrie. It was not a unanimous decision.”

Before Underwood was announced as Katy Perry’s replacement, rumors swirled that Shania Twain, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift were asked.

Some fans suspect that Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will get booted next season

Carrie Underwood might not return after American Idol Season 23. However, some fans think Underwood will stay while Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will get axed.

“I read an interesting article the other day that suggested the show should triple down on the ‘bring back alumni’ idea,” a fan on Reddit wrote. “They wanted to keep Carrie and replace Luke and Lionel with Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson. I like Luke and Lionel well enough, but honestly, I think right now, we’re a bit heavy on the country/Jesus aspect on the panel.”

“I think the panel needs a bit more diversity — I like Carrie’s perspective as a former contestant, but she and Luke are so similar, really,” another fan wrote. “Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson would be great!”

“For that reason, I think Luke will bail and Lionel will hang in until the end,” yet another fan guessed.

The American Idol Season 23 finale airs on Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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