Is “American Idol” Cursed? Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie Think Something’s Off

Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’.Credit : 

Disney/Eric McCandless

American Idol judge Lionel Richie saved contestant Rae Boyd from elimination on ‘90s night — only for America to send her packing the very next week.

And it’s not the first time. Last season, singer Mattie Pruitt was also saved by the judges, but went home the following week. Which begs the question: is there an American Idol curse?

In an interview with a small group of reporters after the live show on Monday, April 13, judges Richie and Carrie Underwood opened up about the possibility, and explained why they believe getting saved is something of a bad omen.

“I was talking to Luke [Bryan] and Lionel about it. It seems like the person that gets saved really has to do something, ‘cause it seems like they’re the next one again,” said Underwood, 43. “[Rae] got saved last week, so it’s kind of like America did it again.”

Rae Boyd on ‘American Idol’.Disney/Connie Chornuk

Richie, meanwhile, said he’d recently discovered the “curse.”

“Whoever you save, they’re going the next time. It is one of the most interesting things I’ve observed, that the voting public has to fall in love with you,” he said. “And we keep thinking… it’s the voice. It’s not. They have to fall in love with your personality.”

Richie, 76, said that each of the contestants who advanced into the Top 9 has “their own connection” with the public.

Underwood, meanwhile, explained that it’s tough to know just what is going through the minds of those watching at home.

“You don’t know what people are resonating with, the ones that are sitting at home watching and voting,” she said. “It’s the same in the music business in general. I’ve seen so many singer, songwriters that were trying to be artists as well that I’m like, why are you not uberfamous? And for whatever reason, it’s just a disconnect, I guess, ‘cause [Rae’s] so talented.”

Boyd went out on a high note, singing Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park” on rock and roll night. Philmon Lee, who tackled “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner, was also eliminated from the competition ahead of Disney night next week.

As the crop of contestants dwindles, each singer remains focused on bringing their unique talents to the table. Lucas Leon told reporters that knowing every person on the show has a different something special makes it “easier” for him.

“It’s a little comforting for me, because like, you could just be you. It’s just how the cards play out,” he said. “If I don’t win, it’s not because of any particular reason. All nine of us could win. I think all of the 30 could’ve won. It’s one of those things. It’s just really standing out every week.”