American Idol’s newest judge Carrie Underwood has been struggling in the first episodes of the season to find her bearings, but in a new episode of her web-seriesIdol To Icon,she revealed what may make her a better judge amid signs that the show needs to be retooled entirely. As Carrie has moved through her first episodes ofAmerican Idolseason 23, where she’s in the judge’s chair instead of in front of the table as a contestant,she’s been having a tough time. As a formerAmerican Idolwinner,Carrie’s time with the contestants has been somewhat tougher.
Carrie’s made it clear that she’d like to be more empathetic to the contestants after their auditions.
In a new episode of her special series,Idol To Icon,Carrie talks about her time as anAmerican Idoljudge and what she believes will push her to improve in the upcoming shows. Revisiting her time duringAmerican Idolseason 4, Carrie rewatched herself fumble the lyrics of her first Hollywood Week performance but get the chance to bounce back. Sharing that emotions"are at a high"during the difficult performances,Carrie wants to be empathetic to the contestants. “Being on this side of the hopefuls gives me a different perspective, and it’ll help me be a better judge,“she shared.
What Carrie Underwood Opening Up About Being A Better Judge Means
Carrie Knows There’s Room To Improve
AlthoughCarrie has only appeared in the first episodesofAmerican Idolseason 23, many have been struggling to accept her as a judge since the announcement she’d be joining the long-running show. As the first-everAmerican Idolwinner to take a spot at the judges' table, there’s been a lot of pressure on Carrie’s shoulders. Though her performance hasn’t been at its best throughout the season thus far, it’s clear thatCarrie knows she needs to make improvements to her initial moments as a judge, which have seen her highly emotional but negative at times.
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With Carrie remarking that she was highly emotional during her time inAmerican Idolseason 4, including her moments during Hollywood Week, it’s clear that the alum has been feeling a lot since she took her seat on the judging panel. Carrie, who replaced Katy Perry after herAmerican Idolseason 22departure, has been feeling mixed emotions as she’s adjusted to welding power in the competition. Working hard to be unbiased and thorough in her judging,Carrie made it clear that she wants to show more empathy to the contestants, especially knowing how nervous they are.
Our Take On Carrie Underwood Wanting To Be A Better Judge
Carrie’s Recognizing Her Own Faults
Although she’s been doing her best to work well as a judge, Carrie’s made it clear that she’d like to be more empathetic to the contestants after their auditions. Sharing in other interviews that she feltshe’d been coming off as mean onIdol,Carrie understands the level of pressure that theAmerican Idolcontestants are underand, having personal experience with their stress, wants to ensure that she’s being understanding of their emotions. In recognizing her own faults, Carrie’s making strides toward becoming theAmerican Idoljudge she’s hoped to be throughout the season.
American Idolairs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
American Idol
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American Idol is a revival of the groundbreaking television series that redefined the music competition genre. Premiering on August 17, 2025, it features a new generation of contestants vying for a life-changing recording contract, under the guidance of a panel of renowned judges.
