American Idol season 23 judge and season 4 winner Carrie Underwood jokingly revealed that a particular element of the show gives her anxiety and PTSD. For American Idol season 23, Carrie took Katy Perry’s place at the judging table, alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Carrie seemed like the perfect replacement for Katy because she’s experienced exactly what it’s like to be a contestant on the show and win, and then achieve superstardom after that. However, the judges have been accused of not doing their jobs after they’ve offered almost no constructive criticism to the contestants, and only positive feedback.
Carrie Underwood jokingly revealed that the show’s theme music gives her anxiety and PTSD.
In an Instagram post, American Idol shared a video of Carrie joking around at the judging table. She said that the show’s theme music gives her anxiety and PTSD. Carrie added that it makes her flash back to when she was a contestant on the show.
The clip began with Carrie laughing as she stated, “For the record, the American Idol music gives me anxiety.” She sang the theme song as she said this. Carrie went on to say, “I get this flash of fear in my heart, like nervousness, ’cause it’s the same. Woo. PTSD.” The American Idol theme music hasn’t changed since Carrie was a contestant on the show.
For the record, the American Idol music gives me anxiety. I get like this flash of fear in my heart like nervousness ’cause it’s the same. Woo. PTSD.
What Carrie Underwood’s Anxiety & PTSD Means For American Idol
Carrie Knows What It Feels Like To Be An American Idol Contestant
While Carrie was joking and exaggerating by using strong words like “anxiety” and “PTSD” to describe how she feels when she hears the American Idol theme music, her comments indicate that she still recalls what it was like to be a contestant on the show in vivid detail. This could mean that Carrie’s memories might affect her judging because she knows how nerve-racking it can be to compete on the show. Carrie might not want to be too hard on the contestants because she remembers the stress that it can cause, and, therefore, she’s been more positive with her judging.
Our Take On American Idol Music Giving Carrie Anxiety & PTSD
Carrie Remembers Her American Idol Experience Well
I think that it’s sweet, funny, and a bit shocking that a superstar like Carrie can still remember how nervous she felt when the American Idol theme music played when she was a contestant on the show. She always appeared to be so calm and collected when she was a contestant, but it’s endearing to hear that she was actually very anxious before she performed. I believe that these memories are helping Carrie to be a better judge because she knows what it was like to sometimes receive harsh criticism from original judge Simon Cowell.
As Carrie continues to find her footing as an American Idol judge, she’ll surely settle into a good balance between giving the contestants encouragement but also offering them advice when needed. She’ll never hurt their feelings because she remembers how challenging the show can be. Carrie is so beloved because she’s a global superstar, but she’s still so down-to-earth and relatable. I’m so happy that Carrie became an American Idol judge, and I can’t wait to continue to see her thrive on the show in her new role.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Source: American Idol/Instagram