Carrie Underwood, the country music sensation who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol Season 4 in 2005, has returned to the show. But this time, she sits at the judges’ table. In August 2024, Underwood was announced as the new judge for season 23, replacing Katy Perry. Joining fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Underwood brings a wealth of experience and insight to the panel — and Bryan allegedly loves her. However, he might be the only one.

‘American Idol’ Season 23 judge Luke Bryan ‘always’ has Carrie Underwood’s ‘back’ despite backlash, a source says

Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol as a judge for season 23 has sparked significant controversy. While her extensive experience as a former contestant and country music icon initially seemed like an asset, some crew members have allegedly expressed concerns that her influence is steering the show away from its traditional format. Notably, Underwood’s strong advocacy for the show’s first-ever faith-based episode, which aired on Easter Sunday, has been divisive.

While some fans are uncertain whether Underwood should stick around as a judge, Luke Bryan is allegedly “championing” the country superstar.

“Luke is her biggest fan and always has her back if he hears something said about her or she’s not getting something,” a source told The U.S. Sun. “He’s always stepping in to help when she’s struggling or to defend her if someone’s not happy with her.”

As for Lionel Richie, he “seems to enjoy Carrie as well, but it’s Luke who really seems to stick up for her the most.”

Another source previously told The U.S. Sun that Underwood has “ruffled feathers.” Underwood allegedly pushed for the American Idol Season 23 Easter special, which put faith first during the three-hour event.

“The crew thought at first she was nervous and distant, but I think she’s just cold, even if that’s not her intention,” the insider alleged. “It still hasn’t seemed to click with her that this is a worldwide franchise with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars on the line.”

Luke Bryan said Carrie Underwood has found some aspects of judging surprising

Luke Bryan has nothing bad to say about working alongside Carrie Underwood on American Idol Season 23. While speaking to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Bryan expressed that he still has “fun” as a judge despite the 13-hour days.

“What people don’t realize is we do 35 auditions a day, typically,” Bryan said of the audition process. “And, man, you can’t rush through them. … We’ve got Carrie Underwood with us this year. And, you know, like, yesterday we had a kid like, ‘I will work so hard.’ And Carrie’s like, ‘I didn’t realize they would do this.’”

“So, Carrie’s doing great,” Bryan concluded. “We’re having fun. … She knows exactly what all the kids are going through.”

The ‘American Idol’ winner accused her fellow judge of being ‘grumpy’

Carrie Underwood has a lot of sympathy for American Idol contestants, and it factors into her judging style. While Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are used to telling contestants that they’re not good enough to move forward, Underwood has a harder time breaking hearts. While playing a game on Good Morning America with her fellow judges, Underwood explained why she thinks Bryan is “grumpy” as a judge on the new season.

“I accused Luke of being grumpy,” Underwood playfully revealed. “I was like, ‘You’re grumpy! You say no to everybody!”

“When she’s calling me grumpy, I may have been a little grumpy,” Bryan admitted.

Richie sided with Bryan. “Get Carrie to say, ‘We don’t want you to be here [to a contestant],’” Richie added. “And she goes, ‘Oh, he’s so cute. He’s so nice. She’s so’ … will not say no.”

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