Carrie Underwood Responds Defiantly to 'American Idol' Boos

The country singer and judge faced backlash from the live audience during Hollywood Week.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:31am

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Carrie Underwood, the country singer and 'American Idol' judge, was booed by the live audience during a recent episode of the show. Underwood responded defiantly on social media, writing 'Boo me. I don't care @American Idol' in a post that has been viewed approximately 1 million times. The backlash appears to be linked to Underwood's decision last year to perform at President Donald Trump's inauguration, which drew criticism from Trump opponents.

Why it matters

Underwood replaced Katy Perry on the judging panel, and her performance at Trump's inauguration has prompted an entrenched dislike of her online in some circles, though she rarely speaks directly about politics. The boos she has received from the 'American Idol' audience this season highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding her political views and actions.

The details

Underwood was heavily booed after the contestant Mor performed an original song. When the time came to give feedback, Underwood said, 'You guys are gonna boo me. You're gonna boo me. It's coming. Bring it on. I love it! Your boos are feeding me.' She then said Mor had made a mistake by trying out original material during Hollywood Week. Underwood was also booed after telling a contestant that she didn't think they had picked the right song, and when she told another contestant that they had a mix of good and bad notes in their performance.

  • Underwood joined the 'American Idol' judging panel in 2025.
  • Underwood performed 'America the Beautiful' acapella at President Trump's inauguration in January 2017.

The players

Carrie Underwood

A country singer who won 'American Idol' in 2005 and joined the judging panel in 2025.

Mor

A contestant on the current season of 'American Idol' who performed an original song during Hollywood Week.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose inauguration Underwood performed at in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“Boo me. I don't care @American Idol”

— Carrie Underwood

“And it's still not loud enough”

— @wandasattorney, Ariana Grande fan account

“they shouldve threw tomatoes at you”

— @meekaiyell

What’s next

The top 30 contestants of the current 'American Idol' season have now been selected, and the next episode will take place in Hawaii.

The takeaway

Underwood's defiant response to the boos she has received from the 'American Idol' audience highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding her political views and actions, particularly her decision to perform at President Trump's inauguration in 2017. This incident underscores the polarized political climate in the US and the potential consequences for public figures who align themselves with controversial political figures.