American Idol executive producer and showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick gave an update on whether judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will return to the show for season 24. For American Idol season 23, Carrie took Katy Perry's seat at the judging table as the latter star left the show after seven seasons. As the American Idol season 4 winner, Carrie seemed like the perfect choice to be a judge, but her lack of constructive criticism for the contestants has led some to believe that she's uncomfortable in the position and might not return for season 24.

When asked if American Idol fans should expect Carrie, Lionel, and Luke to return, showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick stated that she thinks they're "in a good place."

In an interview with TVLine, when asked if American Idol fans should expect Carrie, Lionel, and Luke to return, Megan stated that she thinks they're "in a good place." She explained, "It’s early days still, but I love our . I think we’re in a good place. I’m excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They’re all ionate about the show."

Megan also revealed that the announcement about American Idol season 24's judges will happen in the near future. She said, "Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season. So 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."

Megan added, "The live shows have really had a nice uptick in viewership, and we’ve actually grown a ton from the premiere to now. In this kind of eroding television world, it’s pretty awesome."

It’s early days still, but I love our . I think we’re in a good place. I’m excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They’re all ionate about the show. Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season. So 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. The live shows have really had a nice uptick in viewership, and we’ve actually grown a ton from the premiere to now. In this kind of eroding television world, it’s pretty awesome.

What Executive Producer's Comments Mean For Carrie Underwood's Idol Return

Megan Seems Optimistic That All Three Judges Will Be Back

Megan's comment about American Idol being in a good place when it comes to the judges seems to mean that Carrie, Lionel, and Luke will be back for season 24, despite facing a lot of backlash this season. The Idol judges all been heavily criticized for rarely offering any to the contestants but, instead, acting as cheerleaders for them and gushing with praise after each performance. While the talent has been extraordinary in American Idol season 23, the finalists still could've benefited from some constructive criticism from the judges.

When American Idol season 23 began, Carrie itted that she was worried about seeming mean as a judge. It seemed that her prior experience as a contestant would help her as she ed the judging . However, it actually might've caused her to hold back with her critiques because she ed how difficult it was to hear negative after her own performances.

Perhaps Carrie could improve on this if she does return for American Idol season 24. Megan seems to be implying that the uptick in viewership is related to Carrie being on the show, so she'll almost certainly be invited back. Whether she chooses to return, though, is entirely up to her.

Our Take On Carrie Underwood Returning For American Idol Season 24

Carrie, Luke, & Lionel Need To Give Better To The Contestants

If Carrie does return for American Idol season 24, I hope that she'll consider giving better to the contestants. She doesn't have to be mean like Simon Cowell was during her season, but she and the other judges have to actually judge the contestants. Giving standing ovations and tons of praise for every performance makes their comments meaningless. American Idol is a competition series, so the judges should point out areas in which the finalists could improve.

Although Carrie could improve as an American Idol judge, I have enjoyed watching her sing on the show, including her sensational performances of "How Great Thou Art" and "Alone." I hope that she'll continue to entertain viewers with her singing if she does return for season 24 because it was a real treat. As the show crowns either Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, or John Foster as its newest American Idol during the finale, fans will also be wondering if the judges will be back for season 24, and I hope that Carrie will be on the again.

The American Idol season 23 finale airs Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

Source: TVLine