I’ve Changed My Mind, Carrie Underwood Doesn’t Belong On The American Idol Judging Panel (Season 23 Just Proved This)

American Idol season 23’s Carrie Underwood has been getting some backlash for her time as a judge on the show, and while I don’t think it’s a bad thing, I do think, after watching the show, that she’s not meant to be a judge. While American Idol season 23 hasbeen a great stepping stone for Carrie to become an even larger part of the Idol family, her original time on the show was nearly two decades ago. As such, Carrie, who has become a country megastar since her American Idol win, has been working hard to fit in on-screen.

Carrie’s experiences in the music industry are unlike other American Idol winners and contestants, as she’s become the top-selling artist from the series overall. After competing on American Idol season 4, Carrie found herself moving into a completely different lane than other Idol alumni. Despite knowing that her current level of experience is vastly different than when she was part of the competition, Carrie seemed confident stepping into the American Idol audition room as a judge. Now, having seen her performance throughout several phases of the competition, I no longer feel that Carrie belongs on the American Idol judge’s panel.

Carrie’s Personality Isn’t Suited For Criticizing Others

She’s Been Called Out For Being Kind-Hearted

As Carrie has become a bigger part of the American Idol season 23 process, it’s become clear to me and others that she may not be happy with criticizing others as a judge on the show. While it seemed like she was going to be one of the more critical judges in her initial appearances on American Idol, Carrie’s nature came through in later episodes of the season. Her kind-hearted behavior, from holding an auditioning contestant’s son while they sang to crying when a contestant sang with their father, made it clear she was holding back her true self.

Carrie’s nature started to come through on American Idol season 23 and made it clear that the negative parts of the show were tough on her. Carrie overtly didn’t like giving feedback when it wasn’t positive during the audition process or the pre-taped portions of the show, and seeing her on the live shows has only solidified my feelings about her not wanting to move forward with eliminations or criticism. While she may have it in her, Carrie seems to prefer to be more level-headed about the competition and lift contestants up rather than tear them down in most moments.

Carrie’s Beliefs Make It Tough For Her To Pass Judgment

She’s Been Open About Her Faith

Carrie has been open about being a devout Christian and has even started releasing more faith-based music than popular country. While Carrie has always been upfront about her faith, it’s become more obvious in recent years that she’s been bringing it into a more public space, hopeful that she can inspire others with her message. Though Carrie’s become more open about her faith, it’s also become clear that it’s a part of her life that makes it tough for her to pass judgment on others. It’s possible Carrie doesn’t feel like she’s honoring her beliefs on American Idol.

Carrie Doesn’t Like The Cut-Throat Parts Of Judging Idol

She’s Not A Natural Born Judge

American Idol can be tough for judges to get used to, especially when they’re coming from a background of being a performer on their own. Within the music industry, artists tend to hear so much criticism and struggle to make it to success. Throughout Carrie’s years of being in the industry, she’s been part of the crowd who has been able to grow as an artist and succeed with her music, with American Idol as her springboard. While I know she’s faced her share of criticism, I think Carrie’s demeanor isn’t right for a judging position, as it’s too cut-throat.

Though Carrie may not be the most naturally born judge American Idol’s ever seen, I think it’s clear that it’s not because of a lack of talent or desire. Carrie doesn’t appear to want to be the bearer of bad news, nor does she want to criticize fellow artists. While seeing new talent on American Idol is exciting, Carrie doesn’t seem to want to be part of tearing others down, which is something she may not have expected as part of the job.

American Idol airs Sundays & Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.