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AMERICAN Idol fans have admitted being divided over Carrie Underwood joining the show.
Fans revealed being apprehensive about the country music star’s judging abilities and hoped she wouldn’t be “boring” as auditions for Season 23 begin.
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On Sunday, the American Idol Instagram page posted the first cities the show will visit as they commence auditions with Idol Across America.
Eligible contestants from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are welcome to audition on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Luke Bryan, 48, posted the entire Idol Across America schedule on Instagram with the caption, “Hey @carrieunderwood, @lionelrichie, and @ryanseacrest, this is gonna be one of the most amazin’ seasons EVER!
“P.S. Carrie, the view is different from the desk, you’re gonna love it!”
READ MORE ON CARRIE UNDERWOOD
In the post’s comment section, several Idol fans aired 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.”
“Just hope she’s not boring,” added another.
“Katy was the best… She has big shoes to fill,” warned a third.
A fourth fan commented, “Hopefully she has a good sense of humor because Luke is funny and makes the show.”
Other commenters had a much more positive outlook on the Before He Cheats singer taking over for Katy.
“Carrie Underwood is going to make a fantastic judge! I cannot wait to see her goof around with Luke and Lionel!” wrote one enthusiastic fan.
“This is an awesome trio! I may start watching Idol again! Katy Perry was a bit much,” mentioned another.
A third wrote, I’ll miss Katie but Carrie is a great replacement how cool!”
“Carrie, perfect choice!!” remarked a fourth.
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Carrie commemorated the start of Idol Across America with an Instagram post featuring a photo of her first audition.
She captioned the throwback photo, ” 8/11/2004. 20 years ago I auditioned for the judges of @americanidol, and today I am now one of those judges searching for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL! It all starts with an audition…will we #CUonIDOL?”
NEW RULE
Recently, American Idol was criticized for a “sad” new rule.
The stipulation prevents potential American Idol contestants from auditioning ahead of its new season with Carrie Underwood.
While promoting the return of Idol Across America, Carrie wrote, “Go from your hometown to the world’s biggest stage, while literally auditioning from your home! I wish American Idol auditions were this easy back in my day!”
Her Instagram post included a poster of the televised singing competition’s upcoming open call and state day dates with a weblink for audition signups.
The link promoted the option of a “live virtual audition with a producer while also asking if the performer was born between 1995 and 2010.
The dates only allow participants between 29 and 14 years of age to try out.
In the post’s comment section, one fan complained, “It’s so sad they put an age limit.
“I’m by no means 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 please open up the ages. I used to watch as a little girl and now at 33 I’m too old.”
“Go on The Voice where it’s based on your voice not appearance and they allow older voices,” a fourth person suggested.
Who are the past American Idol winners?
The previous 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)
Iam Tongi (2023)
KATY’S REPLACEMENT
One fan commented, “So glad to see you back on American Idol Carrie Underwood. Welcome home.
Carrie was selected to replace Katy Perry, 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 is set to sit alongside Luke Bryan, 47, and Lionel Richie, 74, for the show’s 23rd season (Season 8 with ABC), as reported by Deadline.
The show originally aired on FOX but ended its run in 2016.
The hitmaker is no stranger to American Idol – she previously competed on and won Season 4 of the series.
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