American Idol Season 24 may have just begun, but the judges’ table is already at the center of a heated fan debate — and viewers aren’t holding back.
The long-running singing competition returned Monday night with its first round of auditions, welcoming hopefuls to Nashville under the familiar guidance of Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, with Ryan Seacrest once again hosting. While the premiere delivered plenty of standout performances and memorable moments, it was the judges themselves who sparked the loudest reaction online.
As the episode aired, social media lit up with fans overwhelmingly praising Luke Bryan, with many calling him the clear standout of the panel. His signature humor, playful banter with contestants, and effortless chemistry with surprise guest Brad Paisley quickly became highlights of the night. Viewers also applauded Bryan for balancing comedy with thoughtful, constructive feedback — a combination some felt was missing elsewhere at the table.
Several fans went as far as labeling him “the only good judge” of the premiere, crediting his honesty and experience for keeping the show entertaining while still grounded in musical critique. Now in his ninth season as a judge since Idol’s ABC revival, Bryan appears more comfortable than ever — and audiences are taking notice.
Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood found herself on the opposite end of fan opinion. Despite her iconic status as the show’s 2005 winner and her deep-rooted connection to the Idol legacy, many viewers questioned her judging style during the premiere. Some felt she was too generous, pointing out that she said yes to nearly every contestant, while others argued that a few singers she rejected deserved golden tickets.
That frustration quickly spilled onto social media.
“Idk how I feel about Carrie Underwood being the Idol returned judge… I get it, but why Carrie?” one viewer wrote on X.
“Petition to replace Carrie with Brad — this is so funny,” another joked.
“What is wrong with Underwood?” a third asked.
Carrie is currently in just her second season as a judge, more than 20 years after her own American Idol win launched her into superstardom. While many fans still respect her success, others questioned whether she’s the right fit on the judging panel long-term — with some even calling for her replacement.
Behind the scenes, however, insiders say producers are fully committed to keeping Underwood on the show. According to a production source, Carrie struggled during her first season as a judge and nearly walked away. In response, the show reportedly made several changes to accommodate her schedule and comfort — including extended filming time in Nashville, adjustments to the show’s structure, and family-friendly arrangements during longer shoots like the Hawaii episodes.
“They’re doing everything possible to keep her happy,” the insider revealed. “They couldn’t afford to lose her.”
Whether this backlash fades or intensifies remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: American Idol fans are deeply invested — not just in the contestants, but in the judges shaping their journey.
With Hollywood Week still ahead and emotions already running high, Season 24 is proving that the real drama doesn’t always happen on stage.
American Idol airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the following day on Hulu.
