Too Much Country on ‘American Idol’? Carrie Underwood Ensures That Won’t Be the Case

For the past two decades, Carrie Underwood proved herself to be a top singer in country music. Honestly, it didn’t seem to matter the genre as her voice came with a wide range of talent. Since gaining stardom when she won American Idol, the singer released nine studio albums with her last, Denim & Rhinestones, hitting shelves in 2022. But with her career still ongoing, it appears Underwood is having a full-circle moment in her career as she will become the newest judge on American Idol. Marking her return to the show, the singer recently shared some insight into what kind of judge she will be.

Having welcomed numerous judges to the show over the years, each star seemed to bring their own style to being a judge. Some are harsh, some are embracing. But no matter what – they all wanted nothing more than to help others make their dreams come true. After Katy Perry left the show, American Idol announced Underwood would take over. Discussing her return, Underwood said, “I like to think that I am versatile. Hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I’m thinking.”

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Carrie Underwood Is More Than Just Country

Wanting to get her thoughts in line, Underwood promised a balance between honesty and kindness. “I think that’s the whole point, ’cause people are coming in and, you know, it’s dreams. You’re a part of somebody’s story from that moment on. I think it’s important to be honest, but it’s also very important to be kind, so hopefully I can marry all of those together and be a good judge.”

With Underwood joining Luke Bryan on the panel alongside Lionel Richie, country music roots are now more prevalent than ever among American Idol judges. However, Underwood insists she is more than just country. “I feel like I’ve been so blessed to obviously be so rooted in country music, but I’ve been able to be a part of many other genres or music as well. I mean, I’ve got a song with Papa Roach right now,” she noted. “It’s a lot of fun. I like to think I’m versatile and hopefully when I listen to people come in and audition I can have any lens I need to put on.”

Gearing up for her return to American Idol, fans are anxiously awaiting the new season in 2025.

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