Carrie Underwood holding off on signing new 'American Idol' deal unless they pay her 'more money': Source

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Carrie Underwood’s debut season as an 'American Idol' judge has been anything but smooth, and reportedly, she’s now holding off on signing a new deal.

While show executives want to lock her in for another season, the country superstar is reportedly uncertain about returning.

Carrie Underwood hesitant to renew 'American Idol' contract without major pay bump

Carrie Underwood, who replaced Katy Perry, is considering whether the role is worth continuing, especially if she doesn't get a raise.

"She’s not sure she wants to do another season," a show insider told Radar Online.

"If she does sign on again, there's talk she wants more money," added the source.

Underwood is reportedly earning far less than her predecessor Katy Perry, who made $25 million a year on the show.

"Her salary is way lower than what Katy got," which is not sitting well with Underwood. "So, if she does stay, it's likely she'll be pushing to bring up her compensation to make it worth her while," the insider added.

The 42-year-old artist has reportedly let producers know she’s undecided about continuing.

"It's not a good look to be kicking something this important to the side and taking too long to make a deal," said the source. "They want to know where they stand."

Carrie Underwood’s blunt feedback sparked calls for her removal from the judging panel

Carrie Underwood’s season on 'American Idol' has faced criticism, including backlash over her judging style.

According to the US Sun, fans even demanded her replacement after she delivered harsh feedback to contestant Jamal Roberts, who was in the Top 5.

"I feel like you missed such an opportunity to move around and entertain," Underwood told Roberts after his performance of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 'Ain’t No Mountain High Enough'.

"She got a lot of criticism and fan backlash, and she's not used to that. She's used to being adored and admired, so this has been a very tough adjustment for her," a source said.

On another occasion, she was accused of being too lenient. Underwood herself appeared to struggle with the emotional toll of the role, sharing online, "Saying 'no' is the worsty worst worstest."

'American Idol' producers warn Carrie Underwood not to push 'ultimatums' for higher pay

Despite the rocky reception, show bosses reportedly want her to return.

"They still believe in her, but they don’t want to be strung along," said a show insider as per the publication.

She is being warned not to issue ultimatums as this can be damaging.

"The feeling is that Carrie needs to tread carefully here and be reasonable, and people around her hope she doesn't resort to ultimatums to get a salary increase because that could be counterproductive," the source added.

Reportedly, Carrie was "not the network’s first pick to be a judge this season."

“They spoke with a handful of other A-list artists in pop and country before landing on Carrie. It was not a unanimous decision,” an insider told the US Sun.