The country music world is reeling from explosive rumors that superstar Carrie Underwood has been fired from the judging panel of American Idol, leaving her with a staggering $15 million in debt.
While ABC has officially greenlit Season 24 of the beloved show, the network’s silence regarding the next judging lineup has only intensified the speculation, particularly as sources claim Carrie has been battling three major controversies that left a trail of upset fans and colleagues in her wake.
According to insider reports, Carrie’s alleged actions have had severe consequences, including the revocation of her planned $12 million salary and an additional $3 million compensation fee she was reportedly forced to pay. To avoid the media firestorm, the star has allegedly been hiding out at her home in Nashville.
The first and most damaging controversy centers on her alleged bias against contestant Jamal Roberts. While Jamal was a fan favorite with a clear talent for winning, Carrie reportedly made her dislike for him public, offering harsh criticisms and even refusing to stand and applaud during his performances. Sources claim this blatant favoritism not only angered the public but also interfered with the judges’ ability to make unbiased decisions.
The second controversy involved her alleged favoritism towards fellow contestant Jon Foster. Carrie’s strong bias reportedly left Jon feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. However, sources close to the show are quick to point out that despite the public narrative, Jon and Jamal were incredibly friendly off-stage, with no conflict between them. Jon’s graceful sportsmanship following Jamal’s win only served to highlight the unfairness of the situation, making Carrie’s behavior even more glaring.
The third, and most surprising, controversy is tied to the public fallout from her much-discussed performance at a political inauguration in January. A source has claimed that following the event, which was marred by technical difficulties, Carrie was “reserved” and “distant” on the American Idol set. While she remained professional and polite to the crew, producers reportedly created an unspoken rule to “not bring up the inauguration under any circumstances” to keep the already “tense” atmosphere as “lighthearted” as possible. This combination of on-screen drama and her noticeably strained relationship with the crew has led many to believe the show had no choice but to let her go.
With the next season’s judges still unannounced, the fate of Carrie Underwood on American Idol hangs in the balance. Will she return, or is this the end of her time on the iconic show?
Luke Bryan Weighs In
While speculation swirls around Carrie’s future, fellow judge Luke Bryan recently offered his own perspective in an interview.
“[She] really enjoyed it,” Bryan said of Underwood’s first season as a judge. “I know she had a great time in the role.” When asked if that meant she would return for another season, he added, “My prediction would be highly favorable.”
As for himself, the “Buy Dirt” singer was more cautious. “Idol is kind of a year-by-year, ‘Do we do it or not?’” he explained, noting that both he and Lionel Richie are typically on one-year contracts renewed season by season.
Despite his uncertainty, Bryan emphasized his affection for the show: “Last year was really, really incredible with Carrie and Lionel and Ryan [Seacrest]. And the main thing is just, have fun with American Idol and have fun with the kids [contestants].”
Disney and ABC, he noted, are often “tightlipped” about decisions regarding the judging lineup, so the final word on whether Bryan — and possibly Underwood — will return may not come until much closer to Season 24’s debut.
