American Idoljudge and country music superstar Carrie Underwood faced some criticism during season 23, butthere were a few fantastic things that she did in her debut in the role that she should continue if she returns for season 24. ForAmerican Idolseason 23, Carrie took Katy Perry’s place at the judging table alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, when Katy Perry left the show after seven seasons in order to focus on her own music career. Carrie was the perfect person to replace Katy because she wonAmerican Idolseason 4 in 2005, and she had firsthand experience with being a contestant on the show.
ThroughoutAmerican Idolseason 23, some fans thought that Carrie was a bit boring, and that she didn’t give enough constructive criticism to the contestants. However, she brought a lot of good things to the singing competition series as well. AlthoughCarrie hasn’t signed on to be a judge yet for next season, there are many things that she did rightduring the season that she should continue to do if she returns forAmerican Idolseason 24.
1American Idol Judge Carrie Underwood Should Continue To Sing Throughout The Season
Carrie Broke New Ground On The Show
ThroughoutAmerican Idolseason 23,Carrie broke new ground on the show by performing during the season, instead of only during the finale, like the judges normally do. She first blew everyone away with her performance of “How Great Thou Art” during Songs of Faith Night. Carrie later brought the house down during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nightwith her reprise of her classicAmerican Idolseason 4 song, “Alone,” by Heart, after which judge Simon Cowell had correctly predicted that not only would she win the show, but she’d sell more records than any previous winner.
It was such a treat to haveCarrie back on theAmerican Idolstagetwenty years after her win. Her season 23 performances were a reminder to everyone, but especially the contestants, that winners and finalists can achieve incredible success after the show.Carrie should continue to sing songs that she sang duringAmerican Idolseason 4, as well as her own songs and other classics, on season 24, because it was such a delight to see how far she’s come since 2005. There are many more iconic performances that Carrie should recreate.
2Carrie Should Keep Giving The American Idol Contestants Useful Feedback
Carrie Has A Lot Of Good Advice To Share
DuringAmerican Idolseason 23, all three judges faced backlash for being more like cheerleaders than critics of the contestants. They rarely gave any useful feedback to the singers, but instead showered them with praise and standing ovations. However, there were moments on the show whenCarrie gave the audience glimpses of the judge that she could be if she wasn’t afraid of coming across as mean, especially when compared with Lionel and Luke, who are always seen as the nice guys on the show.
During theAmerican Idolseason 23 Top 5 episode, after eventual winner Jamal Roberts sang “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Carrie told him that he should work the stage more, and give his all during his final performances.Some fans lashed out at Carriebecause they thought that it was too late in the season for her to begin criticizing Jamal, and they accused her of favoring other contestants such as her fellow country singer and eventual runner-up, John Foster. However,if Carrie gives constructive criticism from the beginning ofAmerican Idolseason 24, then it won’t be so jarring when she asserts herself later, and fans will appreciate her honesty more.
3Carrie Should Keep Dressing Up During American Idol Theme Nights
Carrie Made The Episodes Fun
When Katy leftAmerican Idol, fans wondered if Carrie would continue the tradition of dressing up during Disney Nights, and she delivered. Although Katy’s costumes were much more outrageous, Carrie wore outfits inspired by Alice fromAlice in Wonderlandand Rapunzel fromTangledduring the two season 23 Disney Nights, which were very beautiful.Carrie was able to find the perfect balance of dressing for the occasion without stealing the spotlightfrom theAmerican Idolfinalists.
In addition, Carrie dressed up for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, channeling Guns ‘N Roses frontman Axl Rose. She wore a red bandana, aviator sunglasses, a white t-shirt, ripped jeans, a red plaid shirt tied around her waist, and a Guns ‘N Roses leather jacket for the episode.It was an unexpected choice for Carrie, which made the episode even more exciting.Carrie showcased her fun side through her wardrobe during these theme nights, and she should continue to do this if she returns for season 24.
4Carrie Should Continue To Express Her Emotions
Carrie Didn’t Hold Back Her Feelings
DuringAmerican Idolseason 23,Carrie wasn’t afraid to express her emotions, especially during the auditions. She freely cried during the performances, and made real emotional connections with the contestants. This was especially true when she wept during contestant Slater Nalley’s audition, in which he sang his original song, “Traces of You,” which he wrote for his teacher’s late son. When Slater finished singing, Luke noticed that Carrie was sobbing. He asked Carrie if she was okay, and she cried as she said no.
Carrie’s genuine emotion onAmerican Idolwas very refreshing. If she returns for season 24, she should continue to allow herself to feel things deeply because it helps the home audience to connect as well.Carrie’s vulnerability made her a relatable judge, and allowed the contestants to see that they were making real connections with the audience. Carrie should never lose that as a judge on the show.
5Carrie Should Keep Encouraging The Contestants By Singing Along
Carrie Knows The Words To Almost Every Song
DuringAmerican Idolseason 23,Carrie often sang along with the contestants because she knows the words to almost every song. She called herself “Jukebox Carrie” during the auditions because she knows the lyrics to so many songs from so many different genres. It was amazing to see how many songs Carrie knew by heart, and it pumped up the contestants to see someone as famous as her singing along to their performances.
Carrie also continued to sing alongto performances during theAmerican Idolseason 23 live shows, and the camera often panned to her during the contestants’ routines. She was locked in to the contestants’ songs, and completely focused on them, which made her critiques seem sincere. Carrie didn’t miss a minute of the finalists' performances because she sang along, andshe should continue to freely express her enthusiasmif she returns as a judge forAmerican Idolseason 24.
6Carrie Should Continue To Be Funny On American Idol
When Carrie joinedAmerican Idol, she took the place of Katy, who has a very distinct personality. She was known for being zany and hilarious on the show, while Carrie is much more shy and conservative. However, during the auditions,Carrie revealed that she also has a very funny demeanor, which she continued to showcase in many moments during the show.
Carrie’s silly side came outwhen she let loose duringAmerican Idolseason 23 contestant Insite’s audition. He sang Korn’s heavy metal song “Freak on a Leash,” to which Carrie sang along. She then sang and danced along to him singing “Bodies” by Drowning Pool, sharing her longtime love for heavy metal music. This prompted Luke to joke that they’d been to the"Underworld of Underwood.“Carrie also showed her fun side when she clog-danced with Carsen Webb during his audition.She should continue to bring the comedy if she returns forAmerican Idolseason 24.
7Carrie Should Keep Being True To Who She Is
Carrie Didn’t Change For American Idol
When Carrie became anAmerican Idoljudge, it was clear that she was going to stay true to who she is, which is a woman of faith. Not only did she refuse to change for the show, but she encouraged theAmerican Idolcontestants to celebrate their faith, especially during the first-ever Songs of Faith theme night.Carrie’s unwavering devotion to her spirituality was inspiring, and it allowed gospel and other faith-based singers on the show to thrive.
Carrie commended Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neil after their beautiful Hollywood Week Head-to-Head round duet of “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake, telling them that she knew how hard it was to come into the entertainment industry and bring their faith with them. She added that it was a brave thing for them to do because there were a lot of outside forces that were going to tell them not to do that.Carrie concluded by saying thatshe was proud of them. While not everyAmerican Idolcontestant will relate directly to Carrie’s dedication to her faith,she can still be an inspiration to them by encouraging people to stay true to whatever means the most to them.
8Carrie Should Keep Hosting Her Idol To Icon YouTube Webseries
It Was Fun To Reminisce With Carrie
DuringAmerican Idolseason 23, Carrie starred in a YouTube webseries calledIdol to Icon, in which she reminisced about her time on season 4. She kept a journal during her winning season, and she used it to look back on her journey on the show. It was so much fun to see Carrie reminisce about her season, reading from her firsthand account of the experience.
If Carrie returns forAmerican Idolseason 24, she should continue her YouTube webseries. If she has nothing left to say about season 4, she could look back on the aftermath of herAmerican Idolseason 4 win, including theAmerican Idols Live!tour, the release of her first album,Some Hearts, and all of the other moments that led to her becoming a global superstar.There’s so much of Carrie’s story left to tell, andshe should continueIdol to IconduringAmerican Idolseason 24.
If Carrie returns forAmerican Idolseason 24, there are many things that she should continue to do as a judge. She did a wonderful job in her first year, and she deserves the chance to build upon her strengths if she wants to return for another year.Hopefully, Carrie will be back as a judge forAmerican Idolseason 24.
