Replacing the exiting Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood is making history with her American Idol debut. The “Before He Cheats” singer becomes the first-ever winner to sit at the judges’ table in the show’s 23-year history. Underwood, 41, joins fellow country star Luke Bryan and best-selling soul icon Lionel Richie, both of whom have served as judges since Idol’s ABC revival in 2018. With the season 23 premiere airing Sunday, March 9, many social media users are still adjusting to the change.

Carrie Underwood Crushes, But Fans Miss Katy

Tonight, Carrie Underwood made her American Idol debut with lots of tears. To be fair, she comes by that deeper well of compassion honestly. Even after 20 years, a Vegas residency, and multiple Grammy Awards, the “Cry Pretty” singer likely remembers all too well what it’s like standing on the other side of that table.

Not all reality TV viewers are terribly receptive to change, and many Idol fans have taken to social media to lament Katy Perry’s absence. “Oh, Carrie Underwood, you’re no Katy Perry,” one fan wrote on X/Twitter.

Another added, “Wait, American Idol traded Katy Perry for Carrie Underwood? Unacceptable.”

However, not everyone was quite so harsh. “I like Carrie Underwood but I miss Katy Perry as a judge,” one X/Twitter user wrote.

Other outspoken Idol viewers were far more pro-Underwood. “Carrie Underwood taking the place of Katy Perry who failed to recognize the massive talent of Jack [Blocker] last year,” they wrote. “Carrie, Luke, and Lionel are awesome.”

(In all fairness, Katy Perry did apologize to season 22 finalist Jack Blocker for initially brushing him off.)

Continuing the Underwood praise, some fans already appear ready to crown Carrie among the “greatest American Idol judges ever!”

Reason Behind Perry’s Exit

While fans may be seeking a juicy storyline, Perry has maintained that her exit from the series was driven by music and experiencing life.

“I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat,” Perry said on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “I love the show so much, but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

Perry released her album 143 in September of 2024.