AMERICAN Idol fans have admitted being divided over Carrie Underwood joining the show.
Fans revealed being apprehensive about the country music star’s judging abilities and hoped she wouldn’t be “boring” as auditions for Season 23 begin.
Carrie Underwood on ABC’s Good Morning America on August 2, 2024, in New York CityCredit: Getty
American Idol judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan with former judge Katy PerryCredit: Getty
On Sunday, the American Idol Instagram page posted the first cities the show will visit as they commence auditions with Idol Across America.
Eligible contestants from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are welcome to audition on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Show judge Luke Bryan, 48, posted the entire Idol Across America schedule on Instagram with the caption, “Hey Carrie Underwood, underwood, Lionel Richie, and Ryan Seacrest, this is gonna be one of the most amazin’ seasons EVER!
“P.S. Carrie, the view is different from the desk, you’re gonna love it!”
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In the post’s comment section, several Idol fans aired their hesitation about Carrie, 41, joining Luke and Lionel Richie, 74, behind the judges’ table.
One fan wrote, “Carrie is a great artist and person, but I’m not sure about her as a judge. Mentor, yes.”
“Just hope she’s not boring,” added another.
“Katy was the best… She has big shoes to fill,” warned a third referring to the previous judge Katy Perry.
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A fourth fan commented, “Hopefully she has a good sense of humor because Luke is funny and makes the show.”
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“Carrie Underwood is going to make a fantastic judge! I cannot wait to see her goof around with Luke and Lionel!” wrote one enthusiastic user.
“This is an awesome trio! I may start watching Idol again! Katy Perry was a bit much,” mentioned another.
A third wrote, I’ll miss Katy, but Carrie is a great replacement how cool!”
“Carrie, perfect choice!!” remarked a fourth.
Who are the past American Idol winners?
The previous American Idol winners include:
Kelly Clarkson (2002)
Ruben Studdard (2003)
Fantasia Barrino (2004)
Carrie Underwood (2005)
Taylor Hicks (2006)
Jordin Sparks (2007)
David Cook (2008)
Kris Allen (2009)
Lee DeWyze (2010)
Scotty McCreery (2011)
Phillip Phillips (2012)
Candice Glover (2013)
Caleb Johnson (2014)
Nick Fradiani (2015)
Trent Harmon (2016)
Maddie Poppe (2018)
Laine Hardy (2019)
Just Sam (2020)
Chayce Beckham (2021)
Noah Thompson (2022)
Iam Tongi (2023)
Carrie commemorated the start of Idol Across America with an Instagram post featuring a photo of her first audition.
She captioned the throwback photo, ” 8/11/2004. 20 years ago I auditioned for the judges of American Idol, and today I am now one of those judges searching for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL! It all starts with an audition… will we #CUonIDOL?”
NEW RULE
Meanwhile, American Idol was criticized for a “sad” new rule.
The stipulation prevents potential American Idol contestants from auditioning ahead of its new season with Carrie Underwood.
The Idol Across America auditions kick off on Monday, August 8Credit: instagram/lukebryan
While promoting the return of Idol Across America, Carrie wrote, “Go from your hometown to the world’s biggest stage, while literally auditioning from your home! I wish American Idol auditions were this easy back in my day!”
Her Instagram post included a poster of the televised singing competition’s upcoming open call and state day dates with a weblink for audition signups.
The link promoted the option of a “live virtual audition with a producer while also asking if the performer was born between 1995 and 2010.
The dates only allow participants between 29 and 14 years of age to try out.
In the post’s comment section, one fan complained, “It’s so sad they put an age limit.
“I’m by no means old but of course the world keeps sending the message that your dreams are over if you’re over 30, added another.
A third commenter asked, “Can you please open up the ages. I used to watch as a little girl and now at 33 I’m too old.”
“Go on The Voice where it’s based on your voice not appearance and they allow older voices,” a fourth person suggested.
KATY’S REPLACEMENT
One fan commented, “So glad to see you back on American Idol Carrie Underwood. Welcome home.
Carrie was selected to replace Katy, 39, as a judge on American Idol.
Earlier this year, the Hot N Cold singer revealed she would be leaving the singing competition series after seven seasons.
Last month, it was announced that Carrie is set to sit alongside Luke, 47, and Lionel, 74, for the show’s 23rd season (Season 8 with ABC), as reported by Deadline.
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The show originally aired on FOX but ended its run in 2016.
The hitmaker is no stranger to American Idol – she previously competed on and won Season 4 of the series.
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Longtime American Idol host Ryan SeacrestCredit: Getty
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Carrie Underwood replaced Katy Perry, seen here with Lionel Riche and Luke Bryan, as an American Idol judge
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Carrie Underwood, seen here on GMA, competed in and won Season 4 of American IdolCredit: Getty
