With Carrie Underwood Aboard, I Think American Idol Should Lean Into The Nostalgia (It’s Not Working As It Is)

American Idol season 23 has had a few issues in its first episodes, but I don’t think Carrie Underwood is the problem as much as she’s part of the solution. Carrie, who originally appeared on American Idol in 2005 and won her season, has been an interesting choice for the replacement judge who took Katy Perry’s spot after she left last season. Though Carrie has faced some backlash throughout the first episodes of the season, her time on the judges panel has proven to be something viewers are enjoying. American Idol season 23 has other pressing problems to deal with.

Carrie's presence has been something American Idol viewers may have struggled with in the early moments, but after adjusting to her judging style, she’s been interesting to watch, especially with her history on the show as a whole. After winning American Idol season 4, Carrie went on to become a country megastar. Much like other Idol alumni, Carrie took her own path and created her own space. With so many American Idol alumni proving they can make fame work for them, bringing in a nostalgic touch to the show could prove both interesting and lucrative, depending on who is involved.

Though it's only been 7 years since it began again, it may be time to come back to the drawing board and reconsider what's important.

American Idol Needs To Revamp Itself

The Show Needs New Direction

side by side image of American Idol Season 23's Ryan Seacrest and Carrie Underwood

Despite the fact that Carrie has had some difficult moments in the first few episodes, American Idol has had bigger fish to fry. The show has needed to revamp itself for ages, and though it did refresh itself a bit after its 2018 return to TV, it's fallen back into its old groove. The series has taken a bit of a turn with some viewers who are looking for the essence of American Idol in the show that's airing, but not finding it. American Idol has been a cornerstone of reality TV, but it's tried to change with the times.

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While American Idol still has a steady audience who follows it each week, the show has felt off-kilter in the last few years. Though that could be because Katy was gearing up to leave the series, it feels more likely that it's because the show is becoming a bit stale. When American Idol revamped itself for its 2018 re-release, the show reassessed its values and tried to create a more modern experience with the series. Though it's only been 7 years since it began again, it may be time to come back to the drawing board and reconsider what's important.

American Idol Should Try An All Winner Judge’s Panel

The Show Would Benefit From Winners' Experiences

Leaning into the nostalgia factor of its former life, American Idol should consider bringing back some of its alumni to help with the revamp. Having Carrie on the show has been great for contestant morale, and has allowed the show to lean into the idea that it can genuinely create stars. If the judge's panel, which currently consists of Carrie, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, was to revamp itself, I think bringing another pair of American Idol winners from season's past would be a great idea. With winners in all genres, American Idol could swap them out season to season.

While it may not be the most currently famous people judging Idol, the show isn't about having judges who are superstars. Instead, American Idol would be judged by people who understand what the show is looking for. While the show began with judges who were more aware of what the music industry wanted in a new star, now, the show often misses the mark by trying to choose contestants who would work well for the Idol audience. With an all-winners panel, the selection of contestants would be in the middle, bringing a richer level of competition and storytelling to Idol.

American Idol Should Bring Back Alumni To Mentor Contestants

Former Contestants Know Best

Though the show has been leaning into its niceties for years rather than show some more negative moments in the audition process or beyond, I think American Idol should also be incorporating alumni wherever possible. The show has been taking for granted the fact that they have people all over the country who have participated in the show, whether they've gone on to become megastars or working performers. American Idol opens doors for all of its contestants, not just the ones who make it to the very end of the competition. Utilizing that talent could be a great idea.

Bringing back past contestants from all levels to work with the contestants from their auditions, to Hollywood week, to the live shows would be an interesting way to help the contestants shake off their nerves without having to see them talking to each other, the judges, or host Ryan Seacrest. While there's a lot of time and space for performances on Idol, the dynamics between the cast members can sometimes outshine poor performance. Seeing American Idol alumni working with the contestants would help bring a nostalgia-factor, and at the same time, would benefit the contestants in the competition.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

Source: American Idol/Instagram