‘American Idol’ Carrie Underwood Responds To Simon Cowell’s Past Criticism

Carrie Underwood’s journey has come full circle. Nearly two decades after launching her career on American Idol, the country music powerhouse has taken a seat at the judging panel—this time not as a contestant but as a mentor.

Her return was met with fanfare, but also skepticism. For many, the idea of Carrie judging a show she once won feels poetic. For others, it’s been harder to embrace.

What’s been even more intriguing is her recent reflection on one of the most defining moments of her early career: a sharp critique from the ever-blunt Simon Cowell.

In a video shared on American Idol’s official social media, Carrie looks back at her 2005 performance of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.”

It was Top 5 night, and Simon, known for never sugarcoating his thoughts, offered what Carrie now recognizes as a layered review.

He told her the rendition was “very good, other than the fact that the performance was a little robotic. You sang it beautifully.”

“He Was Not Wrong”: Carrie Gets Honest About the Past

Today, Carrie sees that comment through the lens of experience. Rather than dismiss it, she offered insight into what was happening behind the scenes during that performance.

“It was Top 5. It was like, ‘OK, you know, I don’t know if it’s the time to go out on a limb and do anything crazy.’ So (you’re) picking something that you’re comfortable with, and then trying to, like, work with the staging,” she recalled. 

“But then also, I consider myself a vocalist. I want to sing things well, and if I ever think too much about what I’m doing on stage, I feel like my vocals suffer. So, he was not wrong in his assessment.”

Her response is layered—thoughtful, even a bit self-deprecating. She added that while Cowell’s words stung a little at the time, in hindsight, she sees them as a mix of praise and honest feedback. “It was kind of a compliment but also not,” she said, acknowledging that Simon has certainly delivered more brutal critiques to others. “It really could have been worse.”

With a smirk, she even reenacted a few robotic dance moves for the camera, jokingly asking if that was “a little more robotic.”

Behind-the-Scenes Rumors About Her Judge Appointment

Behind the scenes, not everything has been smooth sailing. Though Carrie’s judging role feels natural to many fans, sources close to the show suggest she wasn’t American Idol’s first pick. According to insiders, producers initially hoped to bring on country star Luke Combs.

“He’s the full package,” a source reportedly said. But there’s a catch: Combs’ addition would have tipped the balance on the judging panel, which already includes two male judges.

Producers are reportedly keen on maintaining a gender-diverse panel, meaning his presence is unlikely as long as that dynamic remains unchanged.

Faith, Format, and Fan Reactions

As for Carrie, her recent push for a three-hour Easter special with a strong faith-based theme stirred mixed reactions among viewers. Some applauded the boldness, while others saw it as a heavy-handed decision that didn’t align with the show’s traditional format.

There’s also a growing sentiment among longtime viewers that the current judges lack the edge that once made the show must-watch TV. “We need another Simon,” one fan commented online, echoing a call for tougher, more honest critiques.

Yet, Carrie’s approach is rooted in empathy, perhaps shaped by her own journey. She knows the weight of a judge’s words—she’s lived it.

And maybe that’s exactly what today’s contestants need: someone who’s been through the fire, emerged successful, and is willing to tell the truth, even if it’s wrapped in grace.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with American Idol right now. Come back here often for all American Idol’s spoilers, news, and updates.