As the new season of “American Idol” heads into Hollywood Week, one judge is setting the record straight about their approach behind the panel. After facing criticism for being too blunt with contestants, Carrie Underwood is explaining why honesty, even when it stings, is at the heart of her feedback, and why she believes tough love ultimately makes stronger artists.
Gets Booed A Lot
Carrie Underwood is back behind the judges’ table on “American Idol” season 24, along with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. It looks like the crowd at Hollywood Week is thinking Carrie might be a little too tough on these contestants.
With Hollywood Week kicking off on Monday, February 23, the “Before He Cheats” singer shared a message on social media. Carrie wrote, “Spoiler alert…I get booed A LOT from our Hollywood Week audience @AmericanIdol 😳.”
While she didn’t elaborate on what she meant, I’m sure we will find out more on Monday night.
Carrie’s Judging Style on ‘American Idol’
As the spotlight is falling on these new hopefuls at Hollywood Week, Underwood has previously talked about her role on the panel and her judging style, Taste of Country reported.
For Underwood, honesty is the best policy. She admitted, “Sometimes I get in trouble from people like, ‘How dare she say that it wasn’t perfect?’ And I’m like, I just want everybody to learn, and that’s part of it. And nobody wants to just hear that they’re amazing all the time.”
Carrie added with a laugh, “Maybe some people do. But that’s not going to get you anywhere.”
For Carrie’s critiques, she wanted to be clear that they come from a place of encouragement. She isn’t trying to be negative.
She explained, “We just want everybody to be able to grow and get better, and be the most awesome version of themselves that they could be.”
A Journey For Underwood
It has been quite the journey for Underwood, who won season 4 back in 2005. In that same year, she released her debut album, “Some Hearts.”
The album went on to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. This launched one of country music’s biggest careers. She has gone on to be nominated for 16 Grammy Awards, winning eight of them.
“American Idol” season 24 airs on Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.
