The American Idol producers made a huge mistake when they chose Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry as a judge because she would've been much better suited to host the show. Katy had judged American Idol for seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but she left the show in order to shift her focus back to her music career. Now American Idol season 4 winner and country music superstar Carrie will take her place on the judging .

American Idol season 23 is much-anticipated, not only because it's certain to introduce extraordinarily talented singers, but also because it's the first time since ABC revived the show in 2018 that there's a shakeup with the judging . One thing that hasn't changed since the show debuted in 2002, is the host, Ryan Seacrest. However, American Idol could use another change after over two decades on the air, and Carrie should've taken Ryan's place as the host instead of being a judge.

Carrie Underwood Is Too Nice To Be An American Idol Judge

Carrie Has itted To Having A Hard Time Saying No To The Contestants

Ever since she debuted on American Idol in 2005, Carrie has been known for her kind personality and sweet demeanor. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, so it's hard to imagine her having to give criticism to the contestants, especially since she knows firsthand how difficult it is to compete on the show. Carrie is simply too nice to be an American Idol judge.

In fact, Carrie herself has itted that it's hard for her to say no to the contestants. In an interview with Extra, she said, "Whenever somebody is saying, 'I can sing another one. I have this song, I have this song,'... I did one yesterday, I was like, 'Okay.' But then it's like that’s even worse because now it's, 'It's still a no.'" Because Carrie is so nice, it's going to be challenging for her if she has to give a negative review to a contestant.

On the other hand, if Carrie were the American Idol host, she'd never have to critique anyone. Through the years, Ryan has been a cheerleader for the contestants, waiting outside the audition room to give them hugs to celebrate or console them, and pumping them up on stage during the live shows. He's been a constant source of encouragement and , which is a role that would be perfect for Carrie.

Carrie Underwood Would've Also Made A Fantastic Mentor

Carrie Has Already Played The Role

Another American Idol role that would've been ideal for Carrie is that of an in-house mentor. During various seasons of the show, people such as record executive Jimmy Iovine (seasons 10-12), former American Idol judge and record executive Randy Jackson (season 13), record executive Scott Borchetta (seasons 14 and 15), and radio host Bobby Bones (seasons 16-19), served as permanent, in-house mentors for the contestants, guiding them on their journeys. American Idol should've brought back this role for Carrie because she'd be phenomenal at it.

When Carrie mentored the American Idol season 20 Top 5 contestants during a week dedicated to her, she helped them to reach new heights. When she met eventual winner Noah Thompson, she told him that she could relate to him because they both grew up in "tiny towns." In her confessional, Carrie broke down in tears because she said that American Idol was created for people like her and Noah who didn't know that they could dream that big.

Carrie said that it was a beautiful thing, and her decision to audition for American Idol changed her entire life. She added that to see contestants get every opportunity they've ever wanted was just magical. As a mentor, Carrie proved that she could be a fantastic teacher and er for the contestants, without having to take on the more difficult role of judging them.

It's Time For Ryan Seacrest To The American Idol Hosting Torch

Carrie Underwood Has Been A Successful Host Of Other Shows

American Idol has had 22 amazing seasons, but the show is definitely losing steam as the years go by. The winners in the ABC era of the show have been nowhere near as successful as season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and season 4 winner Carrie, and the contestants haven't become household names like they did in the FOX years.

As American Idol continues, it's time to breathe some new life into it, and that could've started with replacing Ryan with Carrie. Ryan just began his new gig as the host of Wheel of Fortune, in addition to his other jobs, so maybe it's time for him to the American Idol hosting torch to someone else.

Through the years, Carrie has proven herself to be an entertaining host who has what it takes to carry a show. She's been the co-host of the CMA Awards on multiple occasions, and even hosted her own holiday special called Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special. She's made many other TV appearances as well, during which she was charming, funny, and sweet. All of these qualities would make her the perfect host for American Idol.

Although Carrie will be an excellent American Idol judge due to her experience and her personality, she would've been better suited to be the host of the show or even a mentor. After over twenty years, it would've been fun to see someone other than Ryan emceeing the singing competition series. Carrie could've even ed Ryan as a co-host. Perhaps this change will come in the future, but, for now, it's going to be thrilling to see Carrie as a judge on American Idol season 23.

American Idol season 23 premieres on Sunday, March 9, 2025, on ABC.

Source: ExtraTV/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube