Gone are the days of Simon Cowell on American Idol. The current judges – Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood – are nicer and offer helpful criticism, not insults. However, one hopeful contestant sparked a shocking confrontation between judges. Keep reading for all the details on the unexpected moment.

American Idol Showrunner Gushes Over Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood & Luke Bryan

Carrie Underwood knows exactly what it takes to win American Idol. She won the reality competition back in 2005 and has had a successful career. The “Before He Cheats” singer returned several times to her stomping grounds for guest appearances. In a move fans loved, she joined the show as a judge last season. Now, she’s back to give more advice and guidance in the new season.
American Idol judges via YouTube
Billboard spoke with American Idol showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick recently about the new season. The executive producer took a moment to praise the three judges. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are in their ninth season as judges, while Carrie Underwood is in her second.

“I think they’re a great team. They’re happy to be here and they really love the show. I feel like their parents in a way and it’s very genuine. It doesn’t feel contrived,” the American Idol showrunner said.

Megan Michaels Wolflick added, “Carrie takes this job very seriously. She feels a pressure to deliver and all three are excellent at picking and cultivating talent. They really care and that is refreshing.”

But do they care too much? Two of the judges had a heated exchange over one contestant’s audition.
Luke Bryan/Credit: YouTube

Judges Butt Heads In Shocking Confrontation

Season 24 kicked off in January with the audition stage of the competition. Things started to get tense between two of the judges a few weeks into the auditions. Carrie Underwood loved Trace Casanova’s jazz rendition of “Baby Got Back,” but the other judges didn’t. The contestant was given a golden ticket to Hollywood despite the mixed reactions.

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan continued to be at odds during the February 9 episode. Luke Bryan was taken with Miyoko, an anime singer from Ukraine. The contestant performed “Unravel” from the show Tokyo Ghoul completely in Japanese. While Luke Bryan was impressed, Carrie Underwood was skeptical.

“In this arena, we do not have anime night, so I’m not sure this is the avenue. But we enjoy your uniqueness,” Carrie Underwood said about the performance. Luke Bryan disagreed. “We put the ‘Baby Got Back’ dude through, and we’re not going to put her through? This is my ‘Baby Got Back’ dude moment!”

Lionel Richie broke the tie by voting “Yes,” sending Miyoko through. “Carrie, I know this has damaged our judging relationship just a wee bit,” Luke Bryan told his fellow judge after the shocking confrontation. She didn’t seem amused, so tune in to find out if they can reconcile their differences or stay at odds throughout Season 24.