Is Carrie Underwood the Next Ellen DeGeneres? Why She Might Leave American Idol After Just One Season

Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol for season 23 as a judge had fans buzzing with excitement. As the show’s season 4 winner and a country superstar, many expected Carrie to bring a unique perspective to the judges’ table. However, after just one season, it’s looking increasingly likely that she might follow in Ellen DeGeneres’s footsteps and say goodbye to the show after a single run.

Too Nice for the Judge’s Chair?

Carrie replaced Katy Perry, joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. But despite her experience as a former contestant, Carrie seemed uncomfortable critiquing hopefuls. She openly admitted struggling to say “no” to contestants and worried about coming across as mean. This gentle approach, while endearing, left her feedback feeling repetitive and less impactful—making the show less exciting for viewers craving honest critique.

Echoes of Ellen’s Exit

Carrie’s discomfort mirrors Ellen DeGeneres’s brief stint as an Idol judge in season 9. Ellen, beloved for her kindness, left after one season, citing her inability to judge and potentially hurt contestants’ feelings. Like Ellen, Carrie’s “America’s Sweetheart” image may have made her too empathetic to deliver the tough love that Idol sometimes demands.

A Lukewarm Response About Returning

When asked if she’d return for season 24, Carrie’s response was polite but noncommittal, using words like “fun” and “cool” without real enthusiasm. This, coupled with her visible discomfort during tough decisions—such as abstaining from the Judges’ Save—suggests that judging isn’t her passion.

A Pattern on Idol

If Carrie leaves, she’ll join the ranks of one-and-done judges like Ellen, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj, all of whom struggled to fit the role. While Carrie’s kindness and empathy are admirable, they may ultimately make her too gentle for the high-stakes world of American Idol judging.

Will She Stay or Go?

Carrie Underwood’s legacy as a performer is secure, but her future as a judge remains uncertain. Unless she finds her judging voice, she may soon exit the show, proving once again that sometimes, being too nice just isn’t the right fit for Idol.