Carrie Underwood Explains Why She Offers 'Constructive Criticism' on “American Idol”: 'I'm a Terrible Liar'

Daniela AvilaWed, April 8, 2026 at 11:20 PM UTC

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Carrie Underwood defended her honest feedback on American Idol, saying she values constructive criticism

Fellow judge Luke Bryan backed her up and said harsh feedback is "tough to do as a judge"

Earlier in the season, the singer got booed after her critiques of a contestant

Carrie Underwood isn't afraid to speak her mind.

In an episode of the American Idol podcast that dropped on Wednesday, April 8, host Danielle Fishel sat down with all three judges and asked Underwood about receiving backlash for her constructive criticism.

"You gave some very constructive criticism about some moments that you thought were very magical and then maybe some moments where it wasn't so good and you got booed," Fishel, 44, said.

"I don't care," the "Before He Cheats" singer, 43, quipped.

Fishel noted that she knows Underwood doesn't care — and she loves that about her. Before the country singer could answer, fellow judge Luke Bryan jumped in to share his thoughts.

Carrie Underwood on American IdolCredit: Disney/Eric McCandless

"It's tough to do as a judge. It takes a lot of confidence in yourself and you don't want to say something that's going to tank them in the competition," Bryan, 49, said. "It's just something that they need to be thinking about if they go forward."

Underwood then shared her response — and explained why she'd rather be honest with the contestants.

"I can't lie, I'm a terrible liar," she said.

The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer continued, "As a fan of the show, if there was ever somebody that kind of had an off night and everybody's like, 'Oh my God that's so great.' I'm sitting at home being like, 'What? Liars!' You want them to pay attention to those things going forward."

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Underwood concluded, "They're obviously talented or they wouldn't be here right now."

The singer-songwriter's comments come after she offered up some harsh feedback to a contestant — and got booed for it.

At the time, contestant Mor — who's no longer in the running to be the next winner — decided to sing an original song without a backing band.

"I feel you guys are gonna boo me," Underwood said to the audience. "It's coming — just bring it on. I love it. Your boos are feeding me."

Then, she told Mor his performance without a backing band was a "missed opportunity."

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on American IdolCredit: Disney/Eric McCandless

"In a room like this, for you to bring an original song with that incredible band sitting behind you twiddling their thumbs... I feel like it was just a missed opportunity," she said.

"I love your voice. I love you," she said, adding, "But I loved being in an intimate room like that with you and listening to you tell your story. I feel like you took a risk here and it paid off."

As the audience continued to express their disappointment in Underwood's comments, Bryan jumped in to defend her.

“She only won this," the "Crash My Party" singer said, referring to the singer's 2005 American Idol victory. "She knows.”

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”