Carrie Underwood Questions If Returning To American Idol Is “Worth The Pain” Amid Signs She’s Leaving

american idol star carrie underwood in a print blouse and pastel background

American Idol star and country music legend Carrie Underwood had a rocky first year as a judge on the singing competition series, so she might not come back to the role for season 24. During American Idol season 23, Carrie, who won season 4 in 2005 and went on to become a global superstar, took Katy Perry’s seat at the judging table alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Although Carrie seemed perfect for the role at first, fans criticized her because they thought she was boring and didn’t give enough constructive criticism to the contestants.

American Idol star and country music legend Carrie Underwood had a rocky first year as a judge on the singing competition series, so she might not come back to the role for season 24.

According to Star Magazine, Carrie is unsure about returning for American Idol season 24 because it’s not worth the emotional stress. An insider revealed, “She’s not sure she wants to do another season. She’s let bosses know she’s not 100 percent sure.” The outlet reported that Carrie, who’s a mom to sons Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 6, has spoken in the past about finding a balance between her career and being a mother. She shared, “You feel guilty about every single thing, every decision you make, everything you do.”

Star Magazine also stated that Carrie was reportedly paid half of Katy Perry’s $25 million salary, and she doesn’t like it. The insider revealed, “There’s talk Carrie wants more money. It’s been a bumpy ride and she’s not sure it’s worth the pain without a nice incentive.”

What Carrie Underwood’s “Bumpy” American Idol Experience Means

Carrie Might Decide Not To Return For American Idol Season 24

American Idol's Carrie Underwood with her fingers crossed at the judging table Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan behind judging table on American Idol Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on American Idol Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on American Idol Carrie Underwood holding a child on her lap on American Idol American Idol's Carrie Underwood with her fingers crossed at the judging table Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan behind judging table on American Idol Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on American Idol Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on American Idol Carrie Underwood holding a child on her lap on American Idol

Since she won American Idol season 4 two decades ago, Carrie has been known as America’s Sweetheart. However, during season 23, she received fierce backlash from viewers who felt that she simply wasn’t cut out to be a judge on the show. They thought that she was boring compared to Katy, and that she was too afraid of being perceived as mean to be an effective judge.

It seemed that Carrie couldn’t win no matter what she did. If she gave mostly positive feedback, she was criticized for being too soft, but when she gave eventual-winner Jamal Roberts some advice to work the whole stage after his Top 5 performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” fans accused her of favoring other contestants, such as fellow country singer John Foster. Carrie’s bumpy ride on the show could mean that it’s not worth her while to return for American Idol season 24, especially if she’s unhappy with her salary.

Our Take On Carrie Underwood’s Hesitancy About Returning To Idol

Carrie Probably Won’t Be Back For Season 24

Carrie Underwood on American Idol singing along to a song with her hand raised American Idol Season 23 Judge Carrie Underwood Smiling at the Judges' TableImage via ABC American Idol's Carrie Underwood speaking into the mic at the judging table Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on American Idol American Idol Judge Carrie Underwood Smiling At The Judges' Table During Season 23Image via ABC

Carrie Underwood on American Idol singing along to a song with her hand raised American Idol Season 23 Judge Carrie Underwood Smiling at the Judges' Table American Idol's Carrie Underwood speaking into the mic at the judging table Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on American Idol American Idol Judge Carrie Underwood Smiling At The Judges' Table During Season 23

I’m not surprised that Carrie is hesitant to return as a judge for American Idol season 24. I don’t blame her for not wanting to continue to do a job that caused her any kind of emotional stress. Carrie certainly doesn’t need the publicity or the money, and, if the experience was unpleasant for her, she probably won’t be back.

Although Carrie might not want to give American Idol judging another try, I hope she does. I enjoyed seeing her return to the show in a new role, and I thought she was a great cheerleader for the contestants. It was her first year, so there were going to be bumps in the road, but I think she has the potential to be a helpful judge. Carrie has to find a balance between being her usual sweet self, and giving the contestants constructive criticism. If she can do that, then she’ll be one of the best American Idol judges ever.