Carrie Underwood’s 'American Idol' judging debut episode surpasses Katy Perry's finale in viewership

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Carrie Underwood has risen above the criticism as the viewership numbers for her debut as a judge on ‘American Idol’ have put all the doubts finally to rest. 

The episode of the 42-year-old singer's debut as a judge on the hit ABC show has drawn more viewers than the finale episode of former judge Katy Perry’s last season, Express US reported.

Underwood, who was a contestant on the musical competition in Season 4 in 2005, has recently joined the judges panel in a full circle moment. While the ongoing Season 23 is her judging debut with the reality show with existing judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie, the ‘Roar’ singer was part of the trio till the last season.

Carrie Underwood ‘s ‘American Idol’ debut eclipses Katy Perry’s viewership numbers

The judges panel of 'American Idol' Season 23 was introduced through a special preview on March 2. As per the latest reports, the special program was watched by 5.9 million viewers which was higher than the number of viewers who watched the Season 22 finale, which was also Perry's farewell episode. The last season’s finale was reportedly watched by 5.6 million.

The outlet further revealed that the official Season 23 premiere on March 9 got around 4.49 million viewers. Nevertheless, last season’s premiere clocked in a slightly greater number at 4.62 million when it premiered on February 18, 2024. 

Nevertheless, Underwood’s judging debut was welcomed with open arms as several fans took to social media to praise the songstress. 

Ever since her debut, the ‘Champion’ singer has faced several emotional moments, including the the time when contestant Breanna Nix brought her to tears after performing one of her hit songs.

Last year, Perry announced that Season 22 would be her last season as a judge as she was leaving the show to focus on her career. Since leaving the reality show, she has released her album ‘143’ and has been planning a tour.

Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' judging debut hailed by social media users  

Though Carrie Underwood joining the 'American Idol' judging panel was initially panned by a section of the netizens as she performed at President Donald Trump's inauguration, another section of fans hailed the shift in the judges' panel and welcomed her with open arms.

One of the social media users said, "Adding Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry on @AmericanIdol was the BEST thing they ever could’ve done for this show."

Someone else noted, "Oh praise the lord - I can watch again 🥰 Katy Perry’s voice is like nails on a chalk board 🤨."

"Carrie Underwood is the UPGRADE #AmericanIdol Needed. Back to the Classic Show. Great Job 👏🏻," wrote another fan. 

Someone else penned, "I am loving Carrie on #AmericanIdol 😩 Refreshing to not have a judge telling the contestants to sing louder every episode."

Another chimed in, "Jukebox Carrie is one of the greatest American Idol judges ever!"

"Yes she is this season is really starting out very well much better than Katy Perry!" shared someone else. 

Another excited fan remarked, "Me now that ⁦@carrieunderwood⁩ gets to grace our screens EVERY WEEK 😭🥹 #AmericanIdol."

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