Carrie Underwood will make her judging debut on the upcoming season of American Idol — but some longtime viewers will not be tuning in.
When the official American Idol Instagram account shared the trailer for Season 23 on Monday, January 27, it immediately received dozens of comments from fans who are choosing not to watch due to Underwood’s recent performance at President Donald Trump‘s inauguration.
Many commenters posted about their decades-long Idol fandom — which has now ceased due to Underwood’s role as a judge.
“I will not watch anymore with MAGA Carrie!! I’ve been a fan since the beginning and Kelly Clarkson‘s win, but no more,” one person wrote. “Sad for all fans of the show 😢!”
“This will be the first season I haven’t watched!!! Please reconsider the choice to have Carrie be a judge,” another user pleaded.
“Nope. I refuse to watch this season because she’s on it,” a third fan commented.
Plenty of other Idol fans specifically called out Underwood’s ties to Trump by referring to her as a “MAGA,” a nickname for Trump supporters that is short for his “Make America Great Again” slogan. (It should be noted that while she performed at Trump’s 2025 inauguration, Underwood has never publicly shared her political party affiliation or who she has voted for.)
“Sorry NO!! Carrie is a MAGA disappointment. I will not support the show,” one commenter declared.
“I have watched Idol for years but will not watch any longer bc of Carrie’s choice to sing at the Inauguration,” another longtime fan wrote. “I’ve lost all respect for her and Idol for choosing a MAGA.”
While the vast majority of comments were from fans who were “boycotting” the show, as one person wrote, there were others chiming in who said they were solely watching Idol this season for Underwood.
“I’m tuning in for the first time in six seasons. Why? Because y’all hired @carrieunderwood I cannot wait to see her on my TV every week!!! 👏👏👏,” one commented said.
“Was going to watch bc of Carrie joining as a Judge (haven’t watched in years) … and then I heard she was performing at the inauguration and now I’m DEFINITELY WATCHING!” wrote another.
“Cannot wait!!! I watched and cheered on Carrie in 2005 when she was on idol and I will be watching this season for her!!!” another fan gushed. “💖 yes queen!!!”
While Underwood has not specifically shared her political affiliations, she did tell Newsweek in a statement about why she chose to perform at Trump’s second inauguration.
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” she told Newsweek earlier this month. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”