Though Carrie has been a fun addition to the American Idol season 23 judge’s panel, which also features Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returning for another season on the long-running show, it’s been difficult for her to adjust to the new role. Carrie, who’s spent the last twenty years working on her career and becoming more of a superstar than she could’ve imagined during her time on American Idol season 4, hasn’t been adapting to the role’s requirements easily. Finding it tough to criticize other performers on the spot, Carrie hasn’t been interested in the difficult parts of her job.

While Carrie has, at times, been criticized for being harsh towards contestants, she’s also expressed that it’s been tough for her to deliver the difficult news. As an American Idol judge, Carrie’s vacillated between being the more critical voice and being too kind, sometimes sharing fewer thoughts on performances because of her level of enjoyment. Early on in the season, Carrie was being called out for over-stepping, but seeing her during American Idol season 23’s live shows has made it clear that she’s simply struggling to stay afloat in her new role. American Idol season 23 could be Carrie’s last.

She Doesn’t Appear Happy To Be On Idol

Although Carrie has been an interesting addition to American Idol season 23, it’s been clear from early on that the show isn’t her cup of tea. Despite knowing that she’s been part of the series in the past and has frequently been able to work with the series to perform or mentor in the past, becoming a judge is a whole new ballgame. Carrie’s early moments on American Idol season 4 may have prepared her for her career in the music industry, but becoming a judge opened her up to a whole new world of criticism she wasn’t prepared for.

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Throughout the season, Carrie’s been able to step into the spotlight as an Idol judge a bit more thoroughly, but it’s been clear that she’s not enjoying the feeling of being on the other side of the competition. Throughout her own season, the original trio of American Idol judges weren’t particularly hard on Carrie. While they did give her feedback and notes for improvement, it was clear that Carrie was doing well without much coaching. Seeing herself on the other side of the table may not be as easy as she expected when signing on for American Idol season 23.

She Doesn’t Want To Cut Anyone Down

Although Carrie has been used to dealing with the ups and downs of the music industry, which is notoriously difficult, it’s clear that giving feedback is likely a lot more difficult than receiving it. For Carrie, giving feedback to the contestants is obviously a major part of being on the judge’s panel. While she’s been happy to be able to provide input on performances throughout the season, it’s been obvious that her strong suit isn’t feedback, as it’s been coming out either too harsh or too kind. Carrie hasn’t been up to helping Lionel and Luke make the tough calls.

While Carrie has been doing her best to work through the season, as a first-time Idol judge, she’s been having a tough time with the tough feedback needed in the competition. Though there have been moments where some have considered Carrie too harsh, the difficulty has been more about giving feedback that’s intentionally harsh. Throughout the majority of the season thus far, Carrie has shied away from giving tough feedback, and has even shared that she isn’t interested in continually doing so. While it’s nice to see she’s kind-hearted, American Idol judges have to be willing to give their input.