Carrie Underwood returned to the stage that made her famous when she joined American Idol as a judge for its latest season, but will she return for American Idol season 24 when it returns in 2026? Some are certain she will, but others point to her lackluster performance as a judge on American Idol season 23 as a sign that she won’t.
Carrie is arguably one of the biggest names in music to get her start on American Idol season 4 back in 2005. The young country singer wowed audiences and original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson with her soaring vocals and dazzling stage presence.
As we all know, winning American Idol doesn’t necessarily guarantee superstardom, but in Carrie’s case, it did. She became proof that the show works and can create musical superstars, so her return to the show as a judge 20 years later was heralded as a full-circle moment.
Still, Carrie didn’t exactly seem thrilled to be at the judges’ table, to the point where many doubt if she’ll return if she’s asked back.
Luke Bryan Thinks Carrie’s Return Is A Shoo-In Luke Said Carrie “Really Enjoyed” American Idol
Luke Bryan, Carrie’s fellow judge, recently shared his thoughts on whether Carrie would return as a judge with Taste of Country, saying that he wasn’t sure if she would return, but he felt the chances were good, saying he felt she “really enjoyed” her time on back on the Idol set.
“I know she had a great time in the role,” said Luke. As to whether she’s coming back, Luke said, “My prediction would be highly favorable.”
Luke may have some inside info on Carrie’s future plans, but even if he’s simply expressing his opinion, it speaks volumes that he feels she’ll return, especially in light of those who are convinced Carrie won’t return for next season.
Carrie Hasn’t Confirmed A Return Carrie Previously Said It Would Be “Cool” To Come Back
In an interview with E! News shortly after American Idol season 23’s finale, Carrie seemed undecided on a return, although she did say it would be “cool” to come back.
“I had a lot of fun, for sure. I didn’t know how I would feel about it. And Luke and Lionel, and the crew, [and] the people who work on the show are just so easy to be around.”
When asked if she wanted to return with the same judges, Carrie seemed even more non-committal.
“I mean, that would be cool, I think.”
While Carrie seemed to indicate she’d be interested in returning, using words like “cool” don’t exactly scream excited. In fact, Carrie’s words almost seem like a polite way to decline an offer to return. It’s giving, “Don’t call me, I’ll call you,” the universal language for a hard pass.
Carrie Didn’t Seem To Enjoy Judging Carrie’s Too Nice To Give Genuine Criticism
One of the biggest criticisms fans had of Carrie was that she didn’t seem to enjoy being a judge. It’s not easy to have to give critiques, or even worse, turn people away. Carrie almost seemed too nice for the position, given that she’s been in their shoes and didn’t want to dash anyone’s dreams.
Still, American Idol is a reality competition show, at the end of the day, and that means there can only be one winner when all is said and done. By not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings, Carrie did hopefuls a disservice, since her feedback could actually benefit them down the road.
She didn’t want to temporarily hurt their feelings, but in the long run, her advice could help them improve.
If Carrie decides to return for another season of American Idol, it likely won’t be announced until much later. In the meantime, fans will no doubt monitor Carrie’s public appearances, interviews, and social media posts, looking for clues as to which way she’ll head.
American Idol season 24 is expected to return in 2026.
Source: Taste of Country, E! News
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review Like Follow Followed American Idol TV-PG Reality 27 5.0/10 Release Date March 11, 2018 Network ABC Cast See All Ben Harper Self Jason Mraz Self – Judge
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