American Idolseason 23 has been an interesting mix of positive and negative, but with new judge Carrie Underwood getting shaded online by the show’s audience,many are curious if she’s deserving of the negativity she’s been receiving. Carrie’s ability to move through her first season as a judge onAmerican Idolhas been impressive, even if her performance has been lackluster at times. Throughout the first stretch ofAmerican Idolseason 23, Carrie’s been scrutinized by long-time fans of the show and new viewers who are watching for the tone she’ll set as a part of the judge’s panel.
Unfortunately for Carrie,American Idolfans have come to criticize her rapport with the contestants and her fellow judges so far. Prior to the season, viewers were anticipating that Carrie’s ability to judge would be pre-defined, as she’d been on the contestant side ofAmerican Idolin the past. AfterwinningAmerican Idolseason 4, Carrie went on to become one of the most successful country megastars of all time, which has pushed her to soar to new heights in her career. While her performances aren’t an issue,the reception to her as a judge hasn’t been all too warm.

With Carrie making positive change, the show may take some bigger steps next season.
Carrie’s Been Accused Of Being Too Nice
She Isn’t Giving The Tough Criticism Needed
American Idolas a competition may have been decades ago for Carrie, but coming back to the show as a judge has been a different experience for theIdolwinner. Carrie’s been able to relate to the contestants onAmerican Idolall season, buther ability to give them critical feedback hasn’t been as sharp as some were expecting. Knowing that Carrie’s been in the music industry for nearly twenty years, many felt Carrie would be able to be a fair judge who offered valid criticism, but some feel she’s far too nice.
While Carrie has been upfront about the fact that the industry has changed considerably sinceshe was onAmerican Idolas a contestantin 2005, she’s also been somewhat reserved with the way she really feels about the contestants' performances. Whether that’s because Carrie genuinely is too nice to offer the tough criticism some need, or because she’s feeling anxious about giving tough feedback remains to be seen. Regardless,some have struggled with Carrie being overly nice or sensitive on screen.

Simon Could Be Cruel But Carrie Always Cares
Modern Viewers Aren’t Looking For A Tougher Judge
As Carrie has changed throughAmerican Idolseason 23, some have been reminiscing about the way Simon Cowell used to judge in the original series, asit was anticipated Carrie could have a similar mean streak. While Simon was often cruel in a way that was humorous to the audience, delivering dry insults about singers’ performances to a crowd of boo’s, his sensibilities were a lot more acceptable in the early 2000s than they would be today. The Simon-type of judge hasn’t been seen onIdolin years, andCarrie is far more kindthan she is cruel.
Carrie’s Not Perfect But The Season’s Problems Aren’t All Her Fault
She’s Improving While Other Factors Are Declining
AlthoughCarrie’s had some issues in making her markas a judge, her time onAmerican Idolhas only shown improvement, while other factors on the show have been on a downward spiral throughout the last few seasons.Carrie’s been changing things onAmerican Idol,while her fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have become predictable and outdated. With the show looking to revamp itself and become more successful, there are going to be problems that viewers spot whileAmerican Idolgrows into something new. With Carrie making positive change, the show may take some bigger steps next season.
American Idolairs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.