American Idol‘s Season 23 will soon reach its end, but another season is on its way. With Carrie Underwood closes her inaugural year as a judge, fans are especially wondering if she will stay on the show. In fact, fans have had quite a few theories on what could change with the next season.
American Idol Has Showcased Carrie Underwood’s Journey Over The Years
Carrie Underwood famously got her big break on American Idol as the winner of the fourth season. Since then, she’s gone onto have a prominent career in music.
However, Underwood hasn’t forgotten her American Idol roots. Starting with Season 23, she returned to the show as a judge, taking over for Katy Perry on the show.
According to Deadline, ABC announced that American Idol has been renewed for its 24th year. This also marks the ninth season to air on the network, which originally premiered on Fox.
Recently, the show cut down to its Top 7 contestants. Josh King was recently eliminated. Mattie Pruitt also didn’t receive enough votes to proceed past
Two episodes are left to air before the finale airing May 18. As previously reported, this year will treat fans to a two-part Disney Night, with the contestants performing songs from various Disney films.
With the new season, there is some speculation about the judges. After all, this season already featured a change-up with Underwood joining the judges’ panel. Some fans wonder if she will stay on the show.
American Idol has been quick to give Underwood a warm welcome. She is notably the host of her own web show, Idol to Icon, which looks back at her time as a contestant.
There Have Been A Few Fan Theories Over How The Judges Could Change In Season 24
Underwood’s also had the chance to showcase her singing talents on the show, even if she isn’t competing. She famously performed Heart’s “Alone” 20 years after performing the song as a contestant.
Fans have wondered if Underwood would remain on the show or will only be a one-season wonder. In fact, there has been a lot of speculation on whether or not the show would bring on new talent as well.
As previously reported, there was some speculation that Jelly Roll, who appeared on the season as an “artist in residence,” could be bumped up to judge. At the time, some fans suspected he could take Underwood’s place. However, others didn’t think the show would have three male judges.
There had also been speculation on new judges being brought onto the show. Recently, music icon Dolly Parton even spoke with E! News, sharing that she had been asked to join the series multiple times.
However, Parton admitted she was reluctant to do so. She shared, “It’s too hard for me. That’s why I don’t accept it, because I know how sincere everybody is. Even if they’re not that good, they believe they are. And I just can’t hurt people.”
Taking to social media, fans have especially been wondering about the judges. Fans were especially curious about Underwood in particular. However, some fans had a few reasons to suspect she might stay on the show. Some comments included:
- “Will Carrie return though?”
- “I think [Carrie’s] a great addition to the show.”
- “Ratings are very very good for a show that has been on this long. They recreated themselves again with Carrie and the public is loving it.”
- “I am so excited but I don’t know how they’ll ever top this season!”
Are you excited for a new season of American Idol? Do you think Carrie Underwood will stay on as a judge? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.