With her American Idol debut, Carrie Underwood is creating history as Katy Perry’s replacement. In the 23-year history of the competition, the performer of “Before He Cheats” is the first winner to ever sit at the judges’ table. The 41-year-old Underwood joins fellow country music artist Luke Bryan and best-selling soul icon Lionel Richie, who have both been judges since the 2018 ABC relaunch of Idol. Many social media users are still getting used to the shift as the season 23 opener airs on Sunday, March 9.
Despite Carrie Underwood’s crusade, fans still miss Katy.
Carrie Underwood shed several tears during her American Idol debut tonight. She honestly draws from that deeper source of compassion, to be fair. The singer of “Cry Pretty,” despite 20 years, a Vegas residency, and numerous Grammy Awards, probably has a vivid memory of what it’s like to be on the other side of that table.
Many Idol fans have flocked to social media to bemoan Katy Perry’s absence, and not all reality TV watchers are particularly open to change. One fan commented on X/Twitter, “Oh, Carrie Underwood, you’re no Katy Perry.”
“Wait,” said another, “American Idol traded Carrie Underwood for Katy Perry? Not acceptable.
But not everyone was so unforgiving. One X/Twitter user commented, “I like Carrie Underwood but I miss Katy Perry as a judge.”
Other vocal viewers of Idol were far more in favor of Underwood. They added, “Carrie Underwood replacing Katy Perry, who overlooked Jack [Blocker’s] enormous talent last year.” “Lionel, Luke, and Carrie are amazing.”
(To be fair, Katy Perry did say she was sorry for initially dismissing season 22 finalist Jack Blocker.)
As fans continue to laud Underwood, some seem prepared to declare Carrie one of the “greatest American Idol judges ever!”
The cause of Perry’s departure
Perry has insisted that her departure from the series was motivated by music and living life, even though viewers may be looking for a spicy plot.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Perry stated, “I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.” “I want to travel and see the world and maybe bring new music, but I really love the show.”
