Carrie Underwood is currently in her second season judging American Idol. However, her decision to return was reportedly dependent on a few conditions. That includes some changes to the show’s traditional format.
Carrie Underwood Had Demands for American Idol
According to a recent report by the U.S. Sun, Underwood had three demands for American Idol before she agreed to return for another season on the panel. An insider told the outlet that Underwood “struggled” last season, due to backlash from viewers and having to be away from her family.
“There’s been a lot of switch-ups into how they’re making this season. The Hollywood Week was taken out completely to lessen the amount of time Carrie and the judges filmed in Los Angeles,” the insider shared. “And because it’s her home base and such a good city for music, they filmed in Nashville.”
In addition to filming closer to home, Underwood also reportedly requested “more of an emphasis” on filming in Hawaii. A new Ohana Round was added this season, and Underwood was able to bring her family to Disney’s Aulani Resort. As the insider explained, “A big part of why they changed up the format was to accommodate the judges’ wants more, specifically Carrie.”
Although many fans praised Carrie Underwood’s addition to the American Idol judging panel last season, the singer did receive some backlash — particularly from viewers who disapproved of her choice to perform at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
“She had a hard time dealing with all the backlash and viewer reaction from last season after all the Trump stuff,” the insider told the U.S. Sun. “On top of that, there’s people criticizing her appearance every episode – which is something she struggled with. The noise from the fans was so much louder than she was prepared for and that got to her. There were talks she wanted to quit and not come back when the noise got too loud.”
In response, the show reportedly made an effort to help Underwood feel “more comfortable on set this year.” As a source shared, “They couldn’t afford to lose her.”
Season 24 of American Idol — featuring judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan — is currently airing on ABC on Monday nights.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
