Carrie Underwood Reacts to Criticism of Her as American Idol Judge

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Carrie Underwood has been blown away by her time as an American Idol judge.

Carrie acknowledges she’s faced some criticism for being overly critical, but she feels her feedback is ultimately helpful.

During a recent interview on SiriusXM’s The Highway, the 42-year-old explained that she sometimes receives criticism for admitting things aren’t always flawless. She responded by saying her goal is to encourage learning, and that constant praise isn’t helpful or realistic for anyone.

I’ve always said, and I truly believe, that while a little encouragement is nice, constantly showering someone with praise won’t actually help them achieve anything. As Carrie Underwood jokingly pointed out, just *saying* someone’s great doesn’t make it so – real progress comes from effort and growth, not just compliments.

Carrie, who shares 10-year-old Isaiah and 6-year-old Jacob with her husband Mike Fisher, said she and her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, are approaching their roles with the intention of being helpful and positive.

She added that their goal is simply to help everyone improve and reach their full potential.

Beyond the negative feedback, becoming a judge on the show has presented the singer of “Jesus, Take the Wheel” with a new hurdle: showing her true self to the cameras.

“I’m not great at that, am I?” she joked. “In general, I feel like I’m such a private person.”

Although it’s something that’s gotten easier for her over the past 20 years.

Carrie admitted she’s improved a little, but still struggles with being open and authentic. She finds it hard to let her guard down and truly be herself.

Returning to *Idol* actually helped her cope with things, because she knew so many people from her previous time on the show, making it feel like a comfortable and supportive environment.

Plus, she gets to be part of helping make dreams come true.

It’s really amazing to watch the contestants and remember what it was like when I was competing myself,” she said enthusiastically. “Being a part of this experience is just so rewarding.

To see what more of your favorite American Idol contestants are up to now, keep reading. 

Kelly Clarkson, mother to River and Remy, has achieved incredible success since her start on the very first season of *American Idol* in 2002. Now living in New York, she’s won three Grammy Awards, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart three times, served as a judge on NBC’s *The Voice*, and currently hosts her popular and award-winning talk show, *The Kelly Clarkson Show*.

The runner-up from season two of the show shared two important things in September 2008: he announced the birth of his son, Parker, with his friend and music producer Jaymes Foster, and that this inspired him to publicly come out as gay. He explained on *Good Morning America* that he didn’t want to raise his son to be dishonest or hide who he is, and he wanted to create an accepting environment for him.

Since then, this well-known performer transitioned from a music career to politics, even running for Congress in 2016. After the election, he released a documentary about his life experiences. However, he hasn’t completely left music behind – in 2023 and 2024, he toured the country with season two winner Ruben Studdard.

Ruben, who won season two of *Idol*, went on to achieve success with a Grammy nomination and several popular albums. In 2013, he appeared as a contestant on *The Biggest Loser*, quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Although he was eliminated from the show twice, he learned a lot from the experience. Ruben remains close friends with Clay, but he found lasting love with his wife, Kristin, and they welcomed their second child in 2024.

The season three champion recently expressed gratitude for her entire life experience. In a December 2023 interview with TopMob News, she explained, “Life has its ups and downs, you stumble, but you always get back up.” Despite facing challenges, she shared that overcoming setbacks and rebuilding her life feels incredibly rewarding.

Recently, she’s celebrated personal milestones like welcoming her daughter, Keziah, with husband Kendall Taylor in 2021, and receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her role in *The Color Purple* remake. The North Carolina native, who also has an adult daughter named Zion, says she wants to savor this moment, knowing how much hard work it took to get here.

Although she didn’t win season three of the show, this musician has achieved incredible success! She won an Oscar for *Dreamgirls* in 2006 and a Grammy for her work in the 2017 adaptation of *The Color Purple*. She’s also been a judge on *The Voice*. Most recently, this mom to son David is launching her own talk show.

Carrie Underwood instantly became a pop culture icon when she appeared on *Idol*. She didn’t just win season four – she’s become one of country music’s biggest stars.

For over a decade, she co-hosted the CMA Awards alongside Brad Paisley. In addition to her successful music career and hosting duties, Carrie is also a mom to two sons with her husband, Mike Fisher, a former NHL player.

Carrie Underwood will be joining American Idol as a judge in 2024, taking over for Katy Perry.

The runner-up from season four of the show is now married with four children – three boys and a girl. Even after facing significant health issues in 2006, this Southern rock artist has continued to release several successful albums since appearing on *Idol*.

Constantine, known for his powerful voice and memorable performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” on season four of a popular show, transitioned seamlessly to Broadway, even earning a Tony nomination for his role in *Rock of Ages*. The father of Malena, born in 2010, continued his stage career with a role in the 2023 production of *Rock & Roll Man*.

Following his win on season five, the singer released a platinum-selling album and appeared in a Broadway production of *Grease*. In 2016, he transitioned to television, hosting *State-Plate*, a show centered around locally-sourced food. Despite his TV work, he still loves music and continues to perform in concerts.

Before Justin Bieber became a teen idol, Katharine McPhee gained attention through her musical talent – a phenomenon sometimes called “McPheever.” This early recognition helped launch her career in both singing and acting, including roles in the TV shows *Smash* and *Scorpion*.

Married to music producer David Foster since 2019, Katharine is now a mother to her son, Rennie, who shows a passion for music. In a 2023 interview with TopMob News, she expressed her hope that Rennie will become proficient in playing various instruments, just like his father. However, she emphasized that they are letting him explore his interests naturally, rather than pushing him in any particular direction, and believes he’s already showing promising signs.

Following his appearance on *American Idol*, season five finalist Elliott, known for his hit song “Wait for You,” traveled to Angola. There, he teamed up with former *Idol* judge Kara DioGuardi to support Malaria No More. In 2010, Elliott also gained attention for surviving the earthquake in Chile and sharing his experience on Twitter. He continues to create music and is a father to Camilla, with Karen Cruz.

Country music singer Kellie Pickler finished sixth on the fifth season of *American Idol*, but she also found success in television, starring in Hallmark’s *Christmas in Graceland* and receiving three Daytime Emmy nominations for her show, *Pickler & Ben*.

After the tragic death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in February 2023, Kellie shared a valuable lesson he taught her. She told *People* magazine that he advised her to ‘do nothing, just be still’ during a crisis, and she has been following that advice in the wake of his passing.

The winner of season six made a big impact in 2007, becoming the youngest female to ever win the competition. She immediately embarked on a 35-city U.S. tour and, just three years later, made her Broadway debut in *In the Heights*. Her career continued to flourish, and in May 2018, she welcomed her first son with Dana Isaiah. Since then, she’s returned to *Idol* and competed on season 31 of *Dancing With the Stars*.

David, winner of season seven, found success with his hit song “Time of My Life,” but he’s also made a difference outside of music. In 2010, he traveled to Ethiopia with the United Nations to support programs empowering women. He also participated in the Race for Hope in Washington, D.C., raising funds for brain cancer research in memory of his brother, Adam, who passed away in 2009. Since marrying Racheal Stump in 2015, David continues to tour and released his latest single, “TABOS,” in 2022.

Oh my gosh, after coming so close on season seven – seriously, that other David robbed him! – he dedicated two whole years to serving a mission in Chile for the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Can you believe it? But thankfully, he came back performing in 2014, and I’ve been able to see him ever since! And then, in June 2021, he bravely shared that he’s part of the LGBTQ+ community. It was so inspiring! He posted on Instagram in October 2023, and it just *wrecked* me in the best way. He said it’s been a beautiful journey learning to love himself, and he hopes his living his truth will encourage others to do the same. Seriously, he’s just the best, and I’m so proud of him for being so open and honest!

While Adam Lambert received a lot of attention as the runner-up, season eight’s winner has been steadily successful with his second album, released in November 2009. It reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, and his single “I Need to Know” was used in an episode of *The Vampire Diaries*. He’s also been busy growing his family, having three children with his high school sweetheart, Katy O’Connell.

The runner-up from the eighth season of the show has truly benefited from the attention he received. Since appearing on the competition, he’s released multiple albums, gone on tour, and been nominated for many awards. He’s even followed in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury by becoming the lead singer for Queen and starred in a remake of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. He also briefly served as a guest judge on *Idol* and kicked off the 2019 Oscars with performances of Queen’s iconic songs, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.”

Danny Gokey married Leyicet Peralta in 2012, following his appearance on season eight of *American Idol*. They now have four children together.

Danny Gokey, a three-time Grammy nominee, released the Christian album *Jesus People* in 2021. He’s also the founder of Danny Gokey Eyewear, a brand selling glasses and sunglasses.

Following his appearance as a top 10 finalist on the summer tour in 2010, the season nine winner began his career as a solo musician. He married model and actress Jonna Walsh in 2012 after meeting her while filming the music video for his first song after *Idol*. Today, he’s a successful singer-songwriter, and his music has even been featured on shows like *The Walking Dead*.

The singer, who finished as a runner-up on season nine of a singing competition, married musician Brian Walker and released her debut album, *Farmer’s Daughter*, in December 2010. Although her record label folded when RCA shut down Arista, J Records, and Jive Records, she later began acting, appearing on the second season of ABC’s *Body of Proof*.

In May 2013, she and her husband separated. Following their divorce, she described her second album, *All That For This*, to The Boot as representing a new phase in her life.

The winner of season 10 was the first *American Idol* champion since Ruben Studdard to have a debut album, *Clear as Day*, reach the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. He was recognized as New Artist of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards and performed the national anthem at Game 1 of the World Series that year. In June 2018, the singer of hits like “This Is It” and “Five More Minutes” married his longtime partner, Gabi Dugal. They welcomed their son, Avery, in October 2022.

Though she came in second place on her singing competition show, this country artist quickly signed a record deal and released her first album, *Wildflower*, in October 2011. After the show, she shared the stage with the winner at the CMT Music Awards, made her debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, and even performed alongside Martina McBride at the CMA Music Festival.

In 2017, she received her first CMA nomination for Best New Artist thanks to the success of her album, *Road Less Traveled*. She also branched out into acting, starring in a film with the same title.

More recently, the singer announced her engagement to Cam Arnold while performing at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2022. They were married in February 2024.

Despite finishing in sixth place on season 10, this contestant became a fan favorite. He joined the *Idols* Live tour and recorded a cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with fellow finalist Haley Reinhart, with whom he was rumored to be romantically involved. He eventually signed with the jazz label Concord. His first self-titled album came out in 2012, followed by *I Put A Spell On You* in 2018 and *Jazz* in 2019.

Jimmie Allen was eliminated from season 10 of a singing competition before the live shows, but he’s since achieved significant success with two chart-topping songs – “Best Shot” (2018) and “Make Me Want To” – and was named the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year in 2021.

In April 2023, Jimmie and his wife, Alexis Allen, announced they were expecting their third child while also ending their two-year marriage. Shortly after, Jimmie was accused of sexual assault and abuse by his former manager in a lawsuit. He admitted to infidelity and publicly apologized to Alexis for the affair, but denied the allegations of misconduct, claiming the relationship with his former manager was consensual.

After welcoming their son, Cohen Ace James, in September, the couple announced they were working to reconcile their marriage.

I was absolutely thrilled when Jordan Smith won Season 11 – I knew he was something special! And then, “Home” just exploded – it was amazing to see his song become so popular and even be chosen as the theme for NBC’s Olympic coverage in 2012. It felt like the whole world was listening! I was so happy for him when he married Hannah Blackwell in 2015; it sounded like a beautiful, intimate ceremony with loved ones. And then, four years later, they had a son, Patch! It’s been wonderful watching his life unfold, both his career and his family.

Before releasing her album, *Whirlwind*, in 2019 – a year after winning season 16 of *Idol* – the artist told TopMob News that the album features a wide variety of musical styles. She explained that she enjoys experimenting with different sounds and didn’t want to limit herself to just one particular genre.

Since finishing as a finalist on season 16 of the show, the singer has been busy making new music and taking advantage of the opportunities that came with being on ABC. Caleb Lee told TopMob News that he’s always been passionate about music and becoming a performer, but the show taught him a lot about the entertainment industry. He even got to attend Luke Bryan’s final tour concert and perform a song with him! His newest album, *Southern Galactic*, came out in October 2023.

Following her third-place finish on season 16 of *Idol*, singer Gabby Barrett concentrated on completing her album. She expressed her excitement about performing at Stagecoach and called touring with Brad Paisley a fantastic bonus. “It’s amazing to be touring with him,” she told TopMob News.

Gabby and her husband, Cade Foehner, who also appeared on *Idol*, welcomed their first child, daughter Baylah, almost two years ago. They expanded their family with son Augustine in October 2022, and welcomed their third child in February 2024.

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2025-09-25 05:20