How Ryan Seacrest Took Carrie Underwood ‘Under His Wing’ Amid Her ‘American Idol’ Judging Debut

Ryan Seacrest fought hard to get Carrie Underwood to commit to American Idol and a source exclusively tells Life & Style that he’s determined to make her upcoming stint a huge success – while urging other judges to also roll out the red carpet and ensure she doesn’t suffer the same unfortunate fate as Katy Perry.

“Ryan has really taken her under his wing, and he’s instructed the other judges to do the same,” the insider explains. “He wants them to really make her feel welcome, not just because he considers her a close friend but also because he would love for her to do more than one season. He thinks it’s a huge coup to have one of the show’s biggest success stories front and center at the judges’ table and believes she’ll serve as an inspiration for all the contestants.”

Why is the Wheel of Fortune host, 50, backing Carrie, 41, so hard? Well, he “loves her warm and bubbly personality and thinks she’s a huge talent,” according to the source.

“On a personal level, he’s also determined to avoid anything like the Katy situation happening again. The backlash he got was awful, whatever the judges do affects him,” the source dishes. “So, he wants to do everything he can to make sure Carrie avoids any pitfalls and stays golden in the fans’ eyes. The best way of doing that is to be supportive and work as a team and ensure there’s no rivalry or cattiness, he’s made it known that won’t be tolerated.”

The American Idol season 4 winner replaced Katy, 40, following the “California Girl” singer’s February 2024 exit after season 21. Katy’s feedback and critique weren’t always received well by viewers, and the work environment became “vicious” behind the scenes.

“Certain people didn’t want to work. It was frustrating because Katy is a professional and there’s nothing lazy about her, and she doesn’t like wasting time, especially hers,” a second insider previously told Life & Style in August 2024. “She certainly made a fortune, but she’s glad to be gone.”

Though Katy didn’t leave American Idol on the best note, she welcomed Carrie into her role with open arms.

“She was born on that show,” Katy told People on January 30. “I think she knows how to steer it.”

The “I’m His, He’s Mine” artist seemed to be right as Carrie looked like she fit into the judge’s panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. In the American Idol season 22 trailer, the “Before He Cheats” artist not only had banter with her fellow judges, but also shed tears for a contestant and her backstory.

“Even though this was about your son, every single person can fill in that memory,” Carrie told a candidate in the clip.

Carrie’s transition from American Idol contestant to judge has seemingly been easy – and a lot of the positivity has to do with Ryan.

“She’s quite nervous and wants to do her best job and Ryan’s appointed himself Carrie’s guiding light. She’s his favorite, he gives her most if not all his attention, when she speaks, he’s all ears