‘American Idol’: Should Carrie Underwood Return for Season 24? (POLL)
Season 24 of American Idol is a go, but so far, the judges have not been revealed, so it’s unclear if Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood will be returning to their seats at the table in 2026.
Ever since the show was revamped and began airing on ABC in 2018, Bryan and Richie have been staples. For the first seven seasons at the new network, the guys sat alongside Katy Perry. But Perry’s music career was calling her name, and she decided to leave the judges’ panel after Season 22 in 2024.
All eyes were on who would replace the “Roar” singer following her exit, and Underwood was ultimately named as her successor. Twenty years after her own American Idol experience, the country superstar returned to the show to help decide who would be the next aspiring artist to have their dreams come true.
Because of her history on the show — she won Season 4 when she was 22 years old — Underwood was able to offer invaluable advice to the contestants, while also bringing a unique perspective to the judges’ table.
After the Season 23 finale in May, Underwood weighed in on her future with the show, and didn’t give a definitive answer about whether or not she’d be returning. “I had a lot of fun, for sure,” Underwood told E! “I didn’t know how I’d feel about it, [but] Luke and Lionel, and the crew … the people that work on the show are just so easy to be around.”
When the interviewer pressed suggested that Underwood, Bryan, and Richie should all return next season, the “Before He Cheats” songstress admitted, “That would be cool, I think.”
With Underwood’s future on the show up in the air, we want to know how you feel about her potential return. Vote in the poll below and let us know your thoughts in the comments section too!
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C
I'll only watch if Carrie is back. She brought me back after 13 years.
65 10
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Carrie comes across as very genuine and kind. She seemed to want the best for the contestants while also giving some constructive feedback. I don't see why she wouldn't come back. She judges had a nice chemistry. She brought class back to the show.
48 3
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I think she did a great job her first season as a judge. Would love to see even more constructive criticism. She had a great report with the judges and contestants. I also enjoyed her performances on the show. She should at least do two or three seasons.
51 6
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G
I would definitely like her to stay for a few seasons. She was a breath of fresh air on the show.
46 5
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O
She's absolutely fabulous and honest
45 7
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C
Carrie has been a great companion during everyone’s Idol journey I hope she hangs around for 2026
36
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C
Loved her as a judge! I think she's fair and gave great advice. Plus, I loved getting to know her and her personality on camera. She's a lot of fun!
37 3
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O
I hope Jamal flops. Wishing him the absolute worst.
32 1
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C
Yes stay
28 1
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C
Carrie has class. Welcome her back with open arms.
26 1
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O
We all love Carrie since American Idol!! I voted for her as much as allowed. She deserved to win then & her career has been exciting watching it growan and she belongs on this show as a judge now!! A great trio!! Would be wonderful to watch them together every week of the show with their fun & smooth chemistry !!
23 1
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B
What a stupid question. Why not ask if Luke and Lionel should return? That's the real question. I'm getting tired of those two. At least Carrie brings something new to the table. I would love to see Adam or Clay sitting there, too. And for goodness sake, PLEASE don't bring back Katy.
22 2
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R
I've been watching Idol for years and this last year was my favorite so far. Everything jelled nicely and Carrie was a key contributor. To those who are critical please give her a break and stop putting her every move and comment under a microscope!
8
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O
While I loved her on the show, as a Carrie super-fan I'd rather see devote her time and focus to a new album and tour. That's where she really shines! I'm doubting she'd be willing to sacrifice the time away from her family to do both.
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P
😂😂😂
Funniest response ever!
1
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P
You make a good point about the younger demo.
Not sure if it’s as important like it used to be.
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P
True but those legends (Diana and Cher) may boost the total audience . Thats also an important metric. .
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C
Ratings were up from last year, unless Carrie wants out there's literally zero reason to change the panel. Ratings for older shows never go up, they go down a little every year.
27
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O
She was alright, better than the last one. Katty Perry was anoying.
Would be kool if you had Bret Michels or even Vince Neil or Bon Jovi and replace Luke.
3 3
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P
I found Katy entertaining and she was a good judge/coach.
That said, I’m fine with Carrie continuing .
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Great suggestions
4
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O
Leave it up cops who think what they say is final law, but most only study rules of law for only a few hours over course of training. Maybe why so many municipals end up defending ones irrational acts, like "you trying to bride me". Ask me , I say heck yea but how about you cop with threaten communications, who you think would win now mister policeman.
6
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B
Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Fantasia, Shania Twain, but Diana Ross or Cher would be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
1 10
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Not watching Idol as long as they keep a racist trump supporter as a judge
18
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G
Seems the only racist person here is you. Not one person has brought up race, and Carrie has never done a thing in her career to be called racist, quite the opposite actually. She's friends with and worked with people of all backgrounds. Jimmy Allen opened for Carrie during her Denim and Rhinestones tour. Now if you can give a reason she's a racist go for it, otherwise keep your nonsense to yourself.
13
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C
I like Carrie Underwood as a singer, but she failed as a judge. I would love for Katy Perry to come back. She had great rapport with Luke and Lionel.
1 29
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O
Carrie shows extreme bias, and for that reason doesnt qualify as a judge. She should step down. She is there to see that whoever she likes wins and shows such favortism and sways the voting. There are so many others that would serve in genuine fairness. She is not respectable and used that venue to boost her own ego, it seems.
7 35
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R
What a BS post. She gave Jamal more standing ovations than any other contestant, but because he received a SINGLE critique she's biased? LMAO Get real. You seem to have an issue with her for unknown reasons.
34
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B
I didn't see the commenter mention Jamal once
17
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O
oh look, a liberal moron.
15
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I think she did a good job but there is no Chemistry between her, Luke, and Lionel
8 38
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G
Totally disagree with this. She got along great with the judges. I thought she and Luke were funny together.
40 4
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B
My personal opinion carrie is a great singer herself and has great songs but she let too many that didn't need to be let through actually go thru to compete and also I seen as other artist as miranda lambert performing carrie had a disrespectful look on her face towards miranda like she didn't care for Miranda being there and when it came to the very end between the two guys and she didn't like who won, you should still show respect and tell them congrats. Not everyone you like can win the competition, it's up to America to vote. Plus everything is not all about winning it should be about having fun and look how far they have come and are continue on their journey. Following their dreams as well. Plus carrie said she dc what people think so if she comes back then it's going to happen if not we shall see who it is to take her spot.
1 32
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R
Carrie and miranda were friends so you're seeing things that aren't there. They've been good friends for almost 20 years. Miranda gave her a motorcycle for crying out loud.
30
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O
She seemed out of place. I like her, l like music, but she is out of place on the voice.
7 40
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Absolutely NOT
2 40
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