A lot of public figures keep their political stance to themselves. A new season of American Idol premiered earlier this month. But sources close to the show worry they might be losing viewers over one judge’s political beliefs. Keep reading for more details on the situation.

American Idol Losing Viewers Over Judge’s Political Beliefs?

Having the “wrong” political beliefs can turn fans against even the most popular celebrity. The fear of being canceled often causes public figures to keep quiet about certain topics. But recent events are difficult to ignore.

Even if celebrities don’t speak out, their political beliefs are assumed. For example, people assume American Idol judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan are conservatives who support President Trump just because of their ties to country music.
‘American Idol’ judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie/Credit: YouTube
Neither of them has publicly confirmed their political affiliations. However, the ABC reality show is reportedly concerned that politics could tank the ratings, particularly Carrie Underwood’s political beliefs.

Rob Shuter reported in his Naughty But Nice Substack that sources close to the show are concerned Carrie Underwood’s perceived support for President Trump could tank the ratings.

“The show needs mass appeal. Politics instantly split the audience, and that’s the opposite of what Idol is built on,” one source said. Another added, “The last thing producers want is a judge turning into a political lightning rod.”

Why People Think Carrie Underwood Supports President Trump

Carrie Underwood fueled speculation about her political beliefs by standing up for President Trump, literally. She performed at his 2025 inauguration, which earned the American Idol star a lot of backlash.
Carrie Underwood-YouTube
“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. 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,” she told PEOPLE magazine at the time about why she performed “America The Beautiful” at the event.

Soap Star Calls Out Carrie Underwood

American Idol producers might be right in worry about Carrie Underwood’s public image. The singer was in the headlines again when a soap opera actress called her out.

General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn posted on Threads that she refused to watch Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show because Carrie Underwood was on it. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie joined the “Before He Cheats” singer to promote American Idol. 

“See ya next week @jimmykimmel. I refuse to even look at @carrieunderwood,” the General Hospital actress wrote. Nancy Lee Grahn is an outspoken liberal. After her snide comment went viral, she posted a follow-up message. She clarified that her beef was with Carrie Underwood, not Jimmy Kimmel.
‘General Hospital’ actress Nancy Lee Grahn calls out Carrie Underwood/Credit: Threads
“Truth matters. I LOVE Jimmy Kimmel & watch him every night… I simply said I would watch him next week because I didn’t want to look at Carrie Underwood (for obvious reasons) who was his guest that night,” she wrote.

Carrie Underwood hasn’t responded to suggestions that she’s MAGA. She probably won’t and American Idol producers just hope it all blows over soon.