American Idol Gets Good Ratings Despite Carrie Underwood Critics

American Idol judge Katy Perry left the ABC talent show, and Carrie Underwood was chosen to take over. The Season 4 winner found a lot of critics, who vented ahead of the March 9 premiere. However, the ratings soared, per The Sun, despite the negativity. 

The Ratings Are Very Good

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie remained as judges, and many people thought that any replacement might have big boots to fill after Katy left. Well, Carrie seemed to be welcomed by viewers. The outlet reported on March 17, that “a special preview to introduce the new judging panel, [saw] 5,905,000 viewers…” That was significantly high. 

The numbers spoke for themselves, with The Sun noting that “the special even beat out the Season 22 finale with 5,639,000 viewers.” While the March 9 show didn’t beat the Season 22 premiere last year, when “4,620,000 fans tuned in,” Carrie’s debut didn’t kill the show. In fact, “4,494,000” viewers watched. 

Why The Negativity?

On Instagram on February 14, the American Idol show posted an advertisement for the premiere of Season 23. In the caption, the admin wrote, “March 9, memories will be made and stars will be born 🤩 Join Carrie, Luke, Lionel and Ryan this season on American Idol on ABC and Stream on Hulu!”

The post found a lot of hostile people in the comments section. Was it because Caleb Kennedy, a former ABC contestant was sentenced after killing an innocent man during a DUI incident? 

Perhaps folks felt unhappy with the show because Season 21 finalist, Colin Stough was arrested on suspicion of DUI as well? However, that’s not the reason why people vented about the show in 2025.

There’s a coordinated effort to destroy anything associated with President Donald Trump and his supporters. Hence, the current trend of mutilating the cars of Tesla owners. Hatred for Elon Musk who was appointed to stop wasting taxpayer’s money, seems to have turned formerly clean energy lovers into vengeful activists. How does that tie into Carrie?

Carrie Slammed For Supporting MAGA

In the Instagram comments section, a lot of people claimed they would not ever tune in and watch the talent show because of Carrie Underwood. Here are some of their responses to the premiere:

• Not watching with MAGA Underwood.
• agreed! No way to KKKarrie Underhood!
• No Carrie for me. Will not be watching this year and I usually watch.
• I’ve watched every season….with Carrie Underwood on I just won’t.
• Boycotting AI this year, I have watched it from the very beginning. Not going to support it with a Trump supporter as a judge. I am not recording it, and deleted the App.

Clearly, the cancel culture that Ellen DeGeneres mocked on Netflix isn’t going away any time soon. But, noting the premiere numbers, it seems unlikely that a boycott will take down the show.

Diversity On The Talent Show

Dreams are made on American Idol, something that sets the country apart from many third-world countries. In fact, the show has a diversity-tolerant history. In season 13 of the show, the first openly gay contestant, MK Nobilette made it to the Top 10. Others that came out before ABC took over from FOX included:

1. Will Young,
2. Jim Verraros,
3. Vanessa Olivarez,
4. Clay Aiken,
5. David Hernandez, and
6. Adam Lambert.

Hopefully, those who boycott because of Carrie Underwood’s personal political choices won’t kill the dreams of future hopeful contestants regardless of gender or race.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your American Idol news and updates.