The back and forth going on right now about the American Idol 2026 judging panel about who's coming back and who isn't has become a hot topic of discussion for those of us who are fans of the competition series on ABC. We just want on answer on which judges, if any, are returning! Well, a new update regarding Carrie Underwood may indicate that the show might be losing her as a judge going into the new season.
According to Star, Underwood, who won the show's fourth season back in 2005, is not sure if she wants to do another season of Idol and she's let "bosses know she's not 100 percent sure" about coming back to do more. Part of that reason could be due to balancing family life as she wants to be there for her sons, 10-year-old Isaiah and 6-year-old Jacob. Though the outlet does note that during the 2025 season, producers did accommodate the shooting schedule to give her time to do that, which she appreciated.
Carrie Underwood may not come back to American Idol for a few reasons
So reportedly another reason Underwood isn't sure about coming back as a judge is due to salary concerns. The outlet shares that she is supposedly making half of what former judge Katy Perry was making while on the panel. Perry was making $25 million which means in comparison, if this is true, Underwood raked in $12.5 million. Here's what "an insider" told Star:
"There’s talk Carrie wants more money. It’s been a bumpy ride and she’s not sure it’s worth the pain without a nice incentive.”
It has been a bit up and down since the current season of American Idol ended and the country singer has been asked whether she's coming back. Recently in speaking with Entertainment Tonight, she said that she wasn't sure as there's a lot for her to contemplate. This was in comparison to her fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who have been with the competition series since it was revived by ABC, who sounded much more eager and sure about their returns.
You know, this was just Underwood's first year doing Idol. Replacing a long-running judge like Perry, who reportedly wishes she hadn't even done Idol, is going to come with its challenges. And it's not ideal, but a show may have to go through a trial and error period until they find someone else that fits well.
Now if it's a money issue, some could argue that Perry was there longer which is why she was probably paid more than Underwood. Though it's not clear if that supposed salary was given to Perry right away, or it was her eventual paycheck after being on Idol for a few years. At this point, all we can do is wait and see what Underwood and/or the producers decide.
American Idol 2026 is expected to premiere in February or March next year on ABC.