American Idol crew think Carrie Underwood’s ‘influence’ is ‘ruining’ show’s legacy after ‘unpopular’ faith-based episode

While the country superstar is beloved by many, she’s been ‘struggling’ behind-the-scenes during her judging debut
The newest judge has continued to make a divisive splash her first season – as many fans have loved having her on the panel while others are threatening to “boycott” the show if she returns next year.

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American Idol celebrates Easter with songs of faith from the finalists and judges, including Carrie UnderwoodCredit: Disney

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Ryan Seacrest film Idol in HawaiiCredit: ABC
The country superstar has amassed a lot of support from part of the American Idol audience, while other viewers feel the show is “not the same” as it once was.

This shift was apparent after Idol tested out its first-ever faith-based episode this season on Easter Sunday – a special that Carrie, 42, apparently “pushed for” despite there being a divide on the crew.

While the three-hour special was beloved by some, others, including members of the crew, felt it was “inappropriate.”

The divide this season, along with “Carrie’s influence” has been tarnishing the legacy of the famed singing competition, a production insider claimed to The U.S. Sun.

“I’ve heard people on set say that Carrie’s influence is ruining the legacy of the show.

“Things started great with her this season but the longer she’s been a judge, the more feathers she has ruffled.

“The crew thought at first she was nervous and distant but I think she’s just cold, even if that’s not her intention.”

The source continued to claim that: “It still hasn’t seemed to click with her that this is a worldwide franchise with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars on the line.

“Luke is her biggest fan and always has her back if he hears something said about her or she’s not getting something.

“He’s always stepping in to help when she’s struggling or defend her if someone’s not happy with her.”

The divisiveness behind the scenes could be translating to less-than-ideal ratings numbers, as The U.S. Sun reported that the show’s episodes this week have led to a drastic drop in viewership.

The dip in ratings comes after this week’s controversial faith-based episode – which divided both the fan base and the crew members.

The three-hour Easter episode on Sunday marked the first time in the show’s 23 seasons that they have done an all-faith-based special.

While Carrie supported the idea, it’s something that divided some of the staffers behind the scenes, an insider claimed to The U.S. Sun.

“It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode and the crew was polarized by it.

“Some didn’t think it’s completely appropriate but felt uncomfortable speaking up about it while others saw no problem with it as it didn’t focus on a specific religion.

“But some people who work on the show liked it primarily because of the religious aspect. Again, a polarizing topic. People felt different ways about it,” the source alleged.

They added that Carrie was a “big advocate for it” and “pushed to make this night happen.”

“It was really important for her for the show to go through with it. Lionel and Luke were on board, but Carrie was the most vocal about wanting it to make sure it happened.

“She felt it was important to have gospel night after moving to LA where she feels she can’t be as open about her religion and beliefs.

“She’s not the only reason why it happened, but she’s a big reason why it happened,” the source stated.

American Idol airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm EST on ABC.

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Lionel, Carrie and Luke encourage the Top 14 contestants who got voted throughCredit: Disney

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Carrie looks pretty in pink and blue during the Easter Sunday specialCredit: Disney

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Carrie snaps a selfie during the American Idol Easter specialCredit: Instagram/americanidol