d+ Two decades after American Idol made her a star, Carrie Underwood nearly quit it all. d+
“Maybe I care too much,” Carrie Underwood sighed recently — but her latest move on American Idol has many calling it her boldest moment yet.
Carrie Underwood, the country music powerhouse who shot to fame after winning American Idol Season 4 in 2005, is now confronting critics head-on in her role as a judge on the very show that launched her career — two decades later.
During a candid appearance on SiriusXM’s The Highway on September 24, Underwood addressed the backlash she’s faced from fans unhappy with her straightforward judging style. “Sometimes I get in trouble from people like, ‘How dare she say it wasn’t perfect?’” she shared with Us Weekly.
But the singer stood firm on her approach, emphasizing the importance of honest feedback. “I just want everybody to learn, and that’s part of it,” she explained. “Nobody wants to just hear that they’re amazing all the time.”
Underwood acknowledged that while some contestants may prefer constant praise, “if that’s the case, it’s not going to get you anywhere.” Her goal, she said, is to help contestants “grow and get better, and be the most awesome version of themselves that they could be.”
Struggling with Authenticity on Camera
Despite her confident stance as a judge, Underwood admitted one ongoing personal challenge: being truly herself on camera. “I’m not great at that, am I?” she pondered. “In general, I feel like I’m such a private person…I’m slightly better than I used to be. But I’ve just never been great at putting down the walls and feeling like I could be myself.”
Her openness struck a chord with many fans, who see a relatable vulnerability beneath the country star’s polished exterior.
From Contestant to Judge — A Full-Circle Journey
Since her meteoric rise with hits like “Before He Cheats,” “Good Girl,” and “Cowboy Casanova,” Underwood’s return to American Idol in 2025 as a judge marked a significant moment in the show’s history. Taking over for longtime judge Katy Perry, she was warmly welcomed by audiences and executives alike.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, called it “a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
Alongside Underwood, the judging panel features Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, with Ryan Seacrest continuing his role as host. The 23rd season concluded earlier this year with Jamal Roberts crowned the winner.
Bold, Honest, and Unapologetic
Carrie Underwood’s willingness to offer honest critiques and show her real self — flaws and all — has made her one of the most compelling figures on American Idol today. While the honesty has drawn criticism, it’s clear that her approach stems from genuine care for the contestants and the art of music.
With her unique blend of warmth, honesty, and vulnerability, Underwood is proving that sometimes being “too real” is exactly what’s needed — both onstage and behind the judge’s desk.
