American Idol’s Carrie Underwood looked ‘furious’ and ’embarrassed’ behind the scenes after Ryan Seacrest’s live TV snub

After hosting the show for 23 years, it appears to mark the first time Ryan has seemingly skipped introducing one of the judges

CARRIE Underwood looked ‘furious’ and ‘embarrassed’ behind the scenes on American Idol after Ryan Seacrest ‘snubbed’ her on live TV, the U.S. Sun can reveal.

At the top of Monday night’s first live show of the season, fans noticed that the longtime host gave an enthusiastic introduction to judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – but completely left out the newcomer.

Carrie Underwood on American Idol.
8

Carrie Underwood judges the Top 20 contestants on American IdolCredit: American Idol

Ryan Seacrest on American Idol.
8

Ryan Seacrest hosts his 23rd season of the ABC singing competitionCredit: American Idol
Monday night’s episode of American Idol marked the first time the contestants performed in front of live TV cameras as the Top 20 got slashed down to the Top 14.

As with every episode, host Ryan, 50, began by walking out on stage to welcome viewers and introduce the trio of superstar judges.

However, there was a hiccup last night – leaving fans wondering if there’s a secret feud brewing beneath the surface.

Ryan loudly introduced Lionel, 75, and then excitedly said Luke’s name, but when it came time to mention Carrie, 42, things went quiet.

According to an insider present in the studio, “no one” was able to hear Ryan even whisper Carrie’s name, and it appeared he “snubbed” her altogether.

“After the moment happened, Carrie looked furious that it seemed like Ryan snubbed her, even if it wasn’t intentional,” the source claimed.

While the cameras didn’t show Carrie’s reaction, the insider said that: “Her face, oh she was not happy and she looked embarrassed and awkward for a few minutes after that.

“She leaned over and whispered something to Luke, who looked serious and wasn’t smiling.”

American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan at the judges' table.
8

On Monday night’s episode of American Idol, Lionel Richie got an excited introductionCredit: American Idol

American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan at the judges' table.
8

Luke Bryan was praised as he was introduced by Ryan SeacrestCredit: American Idol

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan at the American Idol judges' table.
8

Carrie Underwood appeared upset after it seemed she was skipped over on IdolCredit: American Idol
While it’s unclear exactly what happened that led to the blunder, it does appear that Ryan tried to say her name.

As the episode aired on TV, a very faint sound of Ryan whispering “Carrie Underwood” can be heard in the background, signifying that he at least attempted to introduce the country star.

However, most people did not hear that at all as the host’s microphone picked up all of his words immediately before and after saying Carrie’s name.

Due to not being able to hear him introduce Carrie only specifically, fans wondered if the move was intentional and not a technical blunder.

“Why would ryan not mention carrie??? Anyone have a clue some kinda code message?

“Or was it just an honest mistake after 20 years of hosting this program???” a baffled viewer asked.

“Ryan introduced Lionel and Luke and forgot about Carrie. WTH?” a second wrote.

“Do Ryan and Carrie hate each other? There must be some kind of feud or something because my man don’t make mistakes like that,” a fan observed.

“Ryan never addresses Carrie at all the entire show,” another said.

“Uh, did Ryan forget to announce Carrie as a judge?! What the heck,” one more expressed.

DIM THE LIGHTS

Last night, the judges faced the difficult task of having to say goodbye to six of the Top 20 contestants.

While the Top 10 contestants who scored the most amount of votes were automatically safe, the judges were forced to choose just four of the remaining 10 singing hopefuls.

Ultimately, the panelists decided to save Amanda Barise, Ché, Desmond Roberts and Josh King.

Unfortunately, that meant that fans had to say goodbye to six people: Drew Ryn, Isaiah Misailegalu, Olivier Bergeron, Victor Solomon, and Zaylie Windsor.

Baylee Littrell, who is the son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, was also sent packing in a shocking decision after judges predicted he could be a finalist in the competition.

American Idol airs on ABC on Sunday and Monday nights at 8 pm EST.

The Top 20 American Idol finalists posing with Carrie Underwood.
8

The Top 20 on American Idol pose with Carrie Underwood on Easter SundayCredit: Disney/Eric McCandless

Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest at the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration.
8

Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest speak during Times Square New Year’s Eve 2025 Celebration on December 31, 2024 in New York CityCredit: Getty

Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest at the American Idol finale.
8

Carrie Underwood is named the winner of American Idol by host Ryan Seacrest on May 25, 2005Credit: Getty