Carrie Underwood's Trump Gig Sparks 'Idol' Backlash

It is reported that there is tension in the “American Idol” universe after the new judge of the show. Carrie UnderwoodPresident Donald Trump's inauguration speech.

Underwood performed an a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” after the first technical glitch, and was then given a standing ovation.

However, her decision to come out for Trump has drawn controversy for “American Idol” for its pursuit of LGBTQ representation.

Although Underwood Honored to speak at the presidential inauguration, the decision to do so for Donald Trump was polarizing.

Before agreeing to the inaugural concert, Underwood was announced as a judge for Season 23 of “American Idol,” which premiered March 9. The show is known for its inclusivity and diversity, and has stepped up its efforts to improve LGBTQ representation.

However, some saw Underwood's decision to speak for Trump as clearly political posturing, and the show's producers know the impact it can have.

For example, there were calls for Underwood to boycott her debut as a judge on the show, which she won in its fourth season.

Insiders have now claimed that the contestants “could be worried” about Underwood as a judge, potentially lowering the show's ratings.

This was reported by a source Daily Mail“Idol contestants come from so many different backgrounds, and so do the people who work on the show.”

They added: “There are concerns that his overtly political stance could unsettle some of the contestants.”

The insider explained that there were concerns that the backlash against Underwood “could affect viewers,” adding, “Her open support for Trump is inconsistent with the show's values ​​of inclusivity and diversity.”

According to the source, there may be tension between Lionel Richie and Underwood.

They said: “Lionel Richie, who is very liberal, may not see eye to eye with Kerry's views, which could cause some tension. He has never supported Trump and never will.”

The insider explained that changes to “American Idol” since Season 16 in 2018 mean the show's judges are “usually advised to avoid being political figures.”

However, that didn't stop Luke Bryan from speaking his mind, as he did in 2022 when he invited Republican politician Ron DeSantis on stage at a Florida concert.

After facing backlash for his actions, Bryan defended himself, explaining that he was raising awareness to help disaster victims.

When asked if Underwood was considering a role on “American Idol” and how her inaugural performance might affect the show, the source revealed general thoughts about the country singer.

They said: “The general consensus is that Carrie should have thought about the culture of the show and the values ​​of the network before taking on such a big role while she was still under contract.”

The insider's disclosures are similar to those of another source US Sun “American Idol” producers claimed that Underwood's performance would cause a backlash and lower ratings after the inauguration.

The source said, “I don't think anyone on the show knew about the song Carrie sang before the inauguration, it caught them all off guard.”

They added: “It doesn't conflict with any of her Idol taping dates and it's before this season airs, so it doesn't conflict with anything in her contract. But there are producers who disapprove and are concerned.”

The insider later revealed that “American Idol” producers were afraid that fans might boycott the show.

They said: “A lot of viewers are already talking about a boycott, whether that's true or just noise will be seen after the ratings come in, but the conversation that Idol is bringing right now is not what the producers want. They don't want it. They want to avoid the show being political.”

Carrie Underwood's Inauguration Day concert couldn't have started off on a worse note, as she had to wait a long time to start. due to technical problem prevents background music from playing.

Realizing that the music would not play, Underwood urged the audience to sing along with him. He said, “If you know the words, help me here.”

With the crowd behind him, the “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer performed a cappella, showing just how incredibly talented he is.

After his performance, fans flocked to X to greet him. Many of them described him glowingly, using words like “Stunning”, “Class Act” and “One of the Greats”.