Luke Bryan jumps to Carrie Underwood’s defense behind the scenes on American Idol set as crew says she’s ‘ruining’ show

Despite her ‘struggles’ while transitioning to being an Idol judge, Carrie always has at least one person in her corner

LUKE Bryan has been jumping to Carrie Underwood’s defense behind the scenes on American Idol as she ‘struggles’ adapting to being a judge, a source told The U.S. Sun.

The support from her co-star comes after insiders claim the show’s crew feels she is “ruining” its legacy after some moves she made this season have caused controversy with the fans.

American Idol judges Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan.
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American Idol host Ryan Seacrest with Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke BryanCredit: Disney

Carrie Underwood on American Idol.
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Carrie Underwood during the auditions for season 23 of American IdolCredit: Disney
Luke, 48, and Carrie, 42, have known each other for decades as they both call Nashville, Tennessee home and regularly see each other at award shows and industry events.

Carrie has made quite a splash as the newest season 23 judge and while many viewers love the fresh perspective she brings, others feel her new gig just “isn’t working out.”

Despite all of the ups and downs with her new high-profile role, there’s one person who has been a constant support by her side.

According to a production insider, Luke has been “championing” Carrie behind the scenes and will stick up for her and her ideas if he feels she’s not being supported.

“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 to defend her if someone’s not happy with her.

“Lionel seems to enjoy Carrie as well but it’s Luke who really seems to stick up for her the most,” the source claimed.

Luke’s support comes after a source claimed that crew members on the show feel Carrie’s influence has been “ruining” the legacy of the show.

“Things started great with her 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.

“It still hasn’t clicked with her that this is a worldwide franchise with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars on the line,” they claimed.

COUNTRY ROADS

While Luke and Carrie go way back, it appears that they didn’t form a closer friendship until American Idol brought them together.

Speaking about being joined by the Before He Cheats singer, Luke opened up about their experience together.

“Carrie and I had always been in the business together, but we never spent much time together.

“So to sit behind the desk and watch her really learn how to transition out of being the winner of American Idol and a superstar to being the judge at the table, she’s doing good,” Luke said earlier this year.

‘THE BEST SOUL AND HEART’

He added: “The thing about it is Carrie has to kind of learn in real time. You kind of have to learn how to be a judge.

“It’s not like you can go to American Idol Judging School. So it will come with ups and downs but she’s awesome with the kids.

“She has the best soul and heart. She’s doing a great job and really settling into the judging table.

“When she has to say ‘No’ she’s like, ‘I dont wanna tell them no.’ But it’s kind of a part [of the job].

“It’s hard when you got a kid that’s young and they haven’t found who they are musically.”

While Luke is always in Carrie’s corner, some of the crew members are allegedly more divided about how she’s been performing as judge.

“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 claimed.

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

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, American Idol judges, backstage.
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Pictured: (l-r) Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan – judges of American Idol – pose together backstage on Wednesday, March 5, 2025Credit: Getty

Carrie Underwood at the American Idol judges' table.
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Carrie Underwood looks pretty in pink as she films IdolCredit: American Idol

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan at the American Idol judges' table.
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Luke, Lionel and Carrie during the auditions for season 23 of IdolCredit: Disney