American Idol fans are speaking out — and many want big changes on the judging panel next season. After what they’re calling “harsh and rude” feedback from judge Carrie Underwood, some viewers are now demanding she be replaced, calling instead for the return of Grammy-winning artist and Disney composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wowed audiences as a guest mentor.
Carrie’s Critique Sparks Backlash
The drama unfolded during Disney Night, when Top 5 finalist Jamal Roberts, 27, performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” the classic Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duet featured in the 2000 Disney sports film Remember the Titans. His performance received a standing ovation from judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — but not from Carrie.
Instead, Carrie stayed seated and criticized Jamal’s stage presence, leaving many fans upset.
“She was too harsh,” one fan posted online. “There was no need to bring him down like that, especially when the others loved it.”
Soon after, social media lit up with calls to remove Carrie from the judging panel, with many saying she hasn’t lived up to expectations since taking over for Katy Perry this season.
In contrast, viewers couldn’t stop praising Lin-Manuel Miranda, who joined the show as a special guest mentor. Known for his work on Broadway hits like Hamilton and In the Heights, as well as Disney films like Encanto and Moana, Miranda impressed fans with his advice, energy, and personality.
“Lin-Manuel was an outstanding mentor,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
“He’s crazy talented, full of energy, and just a musical genius,” another added. “I’d watch anything he’s in!”
Viewers loved how he guided contestants, helping them improve both musically and emotionally. One user pointed to his work with contestant John, helping him shift his version of Rainbow Connection to reflect the style of Kenny Loggins instead of Willie Nelson.
“He not only knows music but performance,” another fan shared. “He made a real difference.”
Fans are now calling for Miranda to return as a mentor next season — or even more often.
“He was by far the best mentor this season,” one post read. “They need him back every year!”
Carrie’s Future on the Show in Question?
Behind the scenes, the controversy goes even deeper. According to a report by The U.S. Sun, Carrie Underwood wasn’t even the first choice to replace Katy Perry. A production insider revealed that multiple A-list artists were considered, and choosing Carrie “was not a unanimous decision.”
“They talked to several pop and country stars before picking Carrie,” the source said.
Now, some crew members reportedly feel that Carrie’s presence is “hurting” the legacy of American Idol.
Although Carrie was a former Idol winner and fan favorite, her time at the judge’s table has been filled with tension — and now, viewer backlash.
As the season wraps up, fans continue to flood social media, asking producers to rethink next year’s panel. Their top request? Bring back Lin-Manuel Miranda — and send Carrie packing.
