Carrie Underwood’s debut as a judge on American Idol Season 23 has brought a fresh dynamic alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Underwood, who won the show in 2005, admitted to initial nerves about critiquing contestants, acknowledging the challenge of saying “no” to aspiring artists. Bryan praised her “sweet, kind soul,” noting that she is still adjusting to delivering tough feedback. However, fans think Underwood has beef with Richie. Here’s what they noticed during this season of American Idol.

Do Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie have beef on ‘American Idol’ Season 23? Fans think so

Carrie Underwood’s turn as a judge on American Idol Season 23 has sparked a wave of mixed reactions among fans, dividing longtime viewers of the show. Supporters praise her authenticity, humility, and firsthand experience as a former winner. Many fans believe she brings a grounded, relatable perspective to the judging panel. However, critics argue that Underwood seems hesitant to deliver tough critiques, with some feeling she’s “too nice” to offer the kind of constructive, unfiltered feedback the show’s aspiring singers need.

Idol fans on Reddit noticed Underwood and fellow judge Lionel Richie might not be the biggest fans of each other. According to viewers, Underwood doesn’t try to interact with Richie, though she makes a concerted effort with fellow country judge Luke Bryan.

“I cannot stop fixating on the fact that she never proactively interacts with Lionel at the judging table,” a fan on Reddit wrote.

“Watch her,” another fan wrote. “When a contestant is singing, she will only make eye contact with Luke. She completely ignores Lionel at the table.”

“Once you see it, you can’t unsee it,” another fan commented. “Often won’t look at him when he talks, too.”

“It’s. Embarrassing,” yet another fan wrote. “I wonder if this changes the rest of the season.”

Lionel Richie explained how he initially thought he ‘might have a problem’ with the country singer

Carrie Underwood doesn’t like delivering bad news to American Idol Season 23 contestants. Many fans have criticized how nobody on the judges’ panel, including Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, will deliver harsh truths to contestants when necessary. When Richie first heard about Underwood replacing Katy Perry, he admitted that he “might have a problem” with how “sweet” the country singer can be.

“We kept hearing, ‘She’s so sweet, so cute,’ and we thought we might have a problem with her, because where’s that vicious side?” Richie told Billboard. “And then she finally had to say no to someone. The first time, we almost had to stop the show. She said to Luke, ‘Do I have to do this some more?’ I said, ‘You’ve got about a hundred more to go.’”

Despite this, Richie admitted that he adores Underwood’s caring nature. “She brings a certain compassion to the show that I’m loving because she’s very caring,” he added.

The 2 judges might take issue with each other’s politics

Before American Idol Season 23 began, Carrie Underwood made headlines for singing at the second inauguration of Donald Trump. An insider told DailyMail.com that Underwood’s “apparent political stance” might cause some contestants and crew members to feel “uncomfortable.”

“There’s also worry that backlash could impact viewership,” the source continued. “Her apparent support for Trump doesn’t align with the show’s values of inclusivity and diversity.”

The source added that Lionel Richie might “not see eye to eye” with Underwood’s views, causing “tension” between them.

“Lionel Richie, who is very liberal, may not see eye to eye with Carrie’s views, which could create some tension,” the source said. “He has never and will never support Trump.”

Will this impact whether Underwood or Richie rejoins for American Idol Season 24? Fans will have to wait to find out.

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

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