AMERICAN Idol fans have admitted they are divided over Carrie Underwood’s entry into the show.
Fans revealed they were apprehensive about the country music star’s judging skills and hoped she wouldn’t be “boring” when auditions for season 23 begin.
On Sunday, the American Idol Instagram page posted the first cities the show will visit as it begins auditions with Idol Across America.
Eligible contestants from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi are welcome to audition on Monday, August 12, 2024.
The show’s judge, Luke Bryan, 48, posted the entire Idol Across America lineup on Instagram with the caption, “Hey Carrie Underwood, Underwood, Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest, this is going to be one of the most amazing seasons EVER!
“PS Carrie, the view is different from the table, you’ll love it!”
READ MORE ABOUT CARRIE UNDERWOOD
In the comments section of the post, several Idol fans expressed their hesitation about Carrie, 41, joining Luke and Lionel Richie, 74, behind the judges’ table.
One fan wrote: “Carrie is a great artist and person, but I’m not sure about her as a judge. Mentor, yes.”
“I just hope she’s not boring,” added another.
“Katy was the best… She has big shoes to fill,” warned a third referring to previous judge Katy Perry.
A fourth fan commented: “I hope she has a good sense of humor because Luke is funny and part of the show.”
Other commenters had a much more positive outlook on the Before He Cheats singer taking Katy’s place.
“Carrie Underwood will be a fantastic judge! I can’t wait to see her playing with Luke and Lionel!” wrote one enthusiastic user.
“This is an amazing trio! I might start watching Idol again! Katy Perry was a little awesome,” another mentioned.
A third wrote, I’m going to miss Katy but Carrie is a great replacement, how cool!”
“Carrie, perfect choice!!” she commented a fourth.
Who are the previous American Idol winners?
Past American Idol winners include:
Kelly Clarkson (2002)
Ruben Studdard (2003)
Fantasia Barrino (2004)
Carrie Underwood (2005)
Taylor Hicks (2006)
Jordin Sparks (2007)
David Cook (2008)
Kris Allen (2009)
Lee DeWyze (2010)
Scotty McCreery (2011)
Phillip Phillips (2012)
Candice Glover (2013)
Caleb Johnson (2014)
Nick Fradiani (2015)
Trent Harmon (2016)
Maddie Poppe (2018)
Laine Hardy (2019)
Just Sam (2020)
Chayce Beckham (2021)
Noah Thompson (2022)
I Am Tongi (2023)
Carrie celebrated the start of Idol Across America with an Instagram post featuring a photo from her first audition.
She captioned the throwback photo: “08/11/2004. 20 years ago I auditioned for the American Idol judges and today I’m one of those judges looking for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL! It all starts with an audition…let’s go #CUonIDOL ?
NEW RULE
Meanwhile, American Idol has been criticized for a “sad” new rule.
The stipulation prevents potential American Idol contestants from auditioning ahead of their new season with Carrie Underwood.
When promoting the return of Idol Across America, Carrie wrote, “Go from your hometown to the biggest stage in the world while literally auditioning in your home! I wish American Idol auditions were this easy back in my day!”
Her Instagram post included a poster of the upcoming televised singing competition call and state dates with a link to audition registrations.
The link promoted the option of a “live virtual audition with a producer and at the same time asked if the performer was born between 1995 and 2010.
The dates only allow participants between 29 and 14 years old to try out.
In the comments section of the post, one fan complained: “It’s so sad they put an age limit.
“I’m not old, but of course the world keeps sending the message that your dreams are over if you’re over 30,” added another.
A third commenter asked: “Can you open up the ages. I used to watch it when I was a little girl and now, at 33, I’m really old.”
“Go on The Voice where it’s based on your voice not your looks and they allow older voices,” a fourth person suggested.
KATY’S REPLACEMENT
One fan commented: “Great to see you back on American Idol Carrie Underwood.
Carrie was chosen to replace Katy, 39, as a judge on American Idol.
Earlier this year, the Hot N Cold singer revealed she would be leaving the singing competition series after seven seasons.
Last month, it was announced that Carrie would sit alongside Luke, 47, and Lionel, 74, in the show’s 23rd season (Season 8 with ABC), as reported by Deadline.
The show originally aired on FOX but ended in 2016.
The hitmaker is no stranger to American Idol – she previously competed in and won the 4th season of the series.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story