Is Carrie Underwood leaving 'American Idol'? Producer opens up about judge's future on singing show

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘American Idol’ Season 23 came to an end on Sunday, May 18, when Jamal Roberts was crowned the ultimate winner of the glitzy singing reality show.

As another season of ‘American Idol’ sees its finale, fans can't help but look ahead to next season. And to keep the enthusiasm alive, the makers have already announced that the show will be coming back for season 24 in 2026.

Although many fans were over the moon to hear the exciting news, some raised questions over the return of the judges, especially Carrie Underwood.

The 42-year-old Underwood lived a full-circle moment as she joined ‘American Idol’ Season 23 as a judge, filling the seat left vacant by Katy Perry’s exit, 20 years after winning the long-running music competition herself.

The ‘Cowboy Casonova’ hitmaker has undoubtedly been both a fun and polarizing addition to the panel, but some viewers were not really happy with her reserved approach, pointing out that she often avoided offering constructive criticism.

'American Idol' producer talks about Carrie Underwood’s return

Amid the growing chatter, ‘American Idol’ showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick has remained mostly silent about the makeup of the judges panel for the upcoming season, but promised official confirmation is coming soon.

In an interview with TVLine, Wolflick gushed about Carrie Underwood's judging debut following Katy Perry's departure. "I think she brought so much," she noted, before adding, "She really had to carve out her own role."

“She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that," the showrunner continued.

"I think she brought a nostalgia factor, and I also like that she brought a little criticism and constructive feedback, which is very much needed. She knows back in her day how hard she was pushed every week to become the best. So I think she's brought a lot to the show, and I hope people love it," Wolflick further added, according to Hello Magazine.

When asked if the judges would be the same for the upcoming season, Wolflick initially replied, "It's early days still," but then insisted, "I love our panel."

She then went on to add, "I think we're in a good place. They're all passionate about the show. Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season."

Wolflick added, "The momentum is coming, but we'll have to stay tuned. We never share our hand before the end of the season, but it should be coming soon, and we're excited about the show doing so well."

Viewers think Carrie Underwood looked ‘unhappy’ after Jamal Roberts won 'American Idol' Season 23

The chatter around Carrie Underwood’s exit was fuelled further after ‘American Idol’ fans slammed her for looking "unhappy" when the winner of last night's grand finale was announced.

After Jamal Roberts was announced by Ryan Seacrest as the winner, Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie all stood up and applauded him.

However, some fans took note of Carrie's strange body language and the fact that she didn't get to her feet when the winner performed his song one last time after winning.

“I know Carrie Underwood is big mad. Congrats, Jamal!!!!” one user mentioned. “I bet Carrie Underwood is pissed! Lol...Please Lord let this be her LAST season! 🙏🙏🙏🙏” another user wrote. 

One individual added, "Carri didn’t seem too excited about the winner of America’s idol! It gives prejudice. I’m soooooo happy Jamal won!!! Bring back my girl katie!!!"

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