American Idol execs’ future plans for Carrie Underwood revealed as judge remains ‘on the fence’ about job

Following the country singer’s ‘bumpy’ debut season as a judge, plans on whether or not she’ll return have been revealed

AMERICAN Idol executives’ future plans for bringing back Carrie Underwood has been revealed as she remains ‘on the fence’ about returning as a judge, The U.S. Sun can reveal.

After a “bumpy” debut season in the judges’ chair, many fans felt the Before He Cheats singer was able to find her groove the longer she stayed in the role.

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Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on Disney Night during American Idol’s season 23Credit: Getty

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan judge American Idol’s season 23Credit: Getty
Despite many American Idol viewers praising her performance as a judge, other critics were harsher and proclaimed she needed to be “replaced” on the show.

Given the polarizing reaction, fans have seemed unsure of what the future holds for Carrie, 42, on Idol now that season 23 is over.

An insider exclusively told The U.S. Sun: “After all the bumps this season, and the beginning was bumpy, the people that matter in the decision making, the powers that be, really love Carrie.

“They feel a certain protectiveness toward her. They’ve defended any setbacks and criticism she’s endured this season and would gladly have her back.

“The ball is more in Carrie’s court. She’s on the fence about coming back, there were times this season I think she would’ve absolutely said ‘no’ to returning.

“But as she’s found her place within the role it’s grown on her more but it wouldn’t surprise anyone on set if she doesn’t return.”

The source continued to give insight to Carrie’s feelings, explaining: “This show was out of her comfort zone in many ways and was a far different experience than she was expecting.

“She’s relatively cheap when comparing her salary to Katy or other big names who were approached to doing the show which is another big reason the show wants her.

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Carrie Underwood glitters in gold during this year’s Idol finaleCredit: Getty

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Carrie poses with season 23 winner Idol Jamal RobertsCredit: Getty
“Saving that much on someone else who demanded double is a big incentive. It’s a good business decision but it needs to be a mutual fit.”

BLOWN AWAY?

Previously, The U.S. Sun reported that Carrie’s future on the singing competition show was “up in the air” as she appeared “miserable” on set away from her family.

“Her Idol future is much more uncertain now than it was and I think that feeling is mutual.

“She seems miserable being away from her family and in LA this much.

“I don’t think she wants to have to answer to TV networks and play the ‘Hollywood’ game so it wouldn’t be a surprise if she’s one and done.

“But again, no decisions have been made yet from either side.”

HELLO, HOLLYWOOD

Before accepting the Idol job, Carrie primarily resided in an affluent suburb just outside of Nashville on a property that includes 400 acres of land – a far cry from the hustle of Hollywood.

She lives there with her sons, Isiah, 10, and Jacob, 6, and her retired hockey star husband, Mike Fisher, 44.

At one point this season, Carrie got candid with a contestant about struggling within the entertainment industry and being in LA with her Southern upbringing and Christian beliefs.

“I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you.

“It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that.

“I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys,” she tearfully told a pair of singers, Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill, who auditioned in March with a cover of Brandon Lake’s spiritual song, Gratitude.

Carrie was present, along with fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, during Sunday’s talent-packed finale that crowned Jamal Roberts as the latest winner.

Fan-favorite Jamal beat out fellow finalists Breanna Nix and John Foster for the season 23 Idol crown.

Judges for next season have not yet been announced, but American Idol has already been renewed, so the show will definitely return in early 2026.

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The Idol judges pose with finalists John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal RobertsCredit: Getty

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Lionel, Carrie and Luke pose at the judges’ table during the season 23 finaleCredit: Getty

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Carrie Underwood and husband Mike Fisher attend the 56th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 09, 2022Credit: Getty