‘American Idol’ in ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ Following Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance, Source Says
American Idol Season 23 judge Carrie Underwood made a controversial decision to sing at the second inauguration of President Donald Trump. Fellow musicians and fans criticized the move. Now, American Idol is doing damage control, according to sources, as it doesn’t want a PR crisis on its hands. Here’s what an insider said about how the reality competition series hopes to stay out of politics.
‘American Idol’ Season 23 producers hope to ‘stay away from anything political,’ a source explained
Carrie Underwood accepted the invitation to perform at the second inauguration of Donald Trump. The country superstar won American Idol Season 4 and is joining the judges panel for season 23. Fans were excited to see Underwood return in a different role to the series. However, her inauguration performance was harshly criticized due to the divisiveness of Trump’s presidential win.
A source told The U.S. Sun that American Idol Season 23 producers hope to keep politics off of this and future seasons of the series.
“The show just wants to stay away from anything political, so this turning into such a big, worldwide topic of conversation is not what [the producers] wanted heading into the start of the season,” the source explained. “The situation has become too big and out of anyone’s control now, which is a stressful position to be in while trying to promote a family-friendly, politically neutral show.”
The insider added that the show is “proud” of how Underwood handled the situation. However, the show is now in “worse-case scenario” mode “in terms of the amount of attention it’s gotten and Idol being brought into the political conversation” as they attempt to do damage control.
Several fans have said they don’t plan to tune into ‘American Idol’ Season 23
Carrie Underwood defended her choice to sing at the inauguration. “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” the American Idol winner told People. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Despite Underwood’s explanation, many American Idol fans mentioned on Reddit how they don’t plan on tuning into the new season.
“She’s the reason this will be the first season I skip,” one fan wrote.
“I was thinking of skipping this season because it was going to be more country than usual, but I am definitely skipping it now,” another fan mentioned.
“After yesterday’s shocking news, I have made my decision to stop supporting her endeavors and not supporting her legacy on American Idol, including her stint as an American Idol judge,” yet another fan commented.
A teaser for the new season shows Carrie Underwood’s road to stardom
An American Idol Season 23 teaser highlights Carrie Underwood’s trajectory on the show. The beginning of the teaser shows Underwood holding her ticket to Hollywood after first getting accepted as a contestant. A clip then shows Ryan Seacrest announcing Underwood’s win as she cries on stage.
“After 20 years, Carrie comes home,” text in the teaser reads.
The teaser shows several country music contestants giving their best in front of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Underwood. Fans should expect to see many country music hopefuls with Bryan and Underwood as judges.
Previously, Katy Perry served as the third judge. It’s unclear if Perry plans on returning to Idol or if Underwood is here to stay.
American Idol Season 23 premieres on ABC on March 9, 2025.
