Underwood received rave reviews for her first episode, with many viewers taking to X to admit that they prefer her over Perry. “Carrie is so much better than Katy Perry,” one person wrote. Another said, “Jukebox Carrie Underwood is way better than Katy Perry sorry not sorry,” and someone else added, “Hate to say this… I’m glad Katy left.”

American Idolseason 23 welcomed Carrie Underwood as a new judge on the show, and though many were hopeful that she’d be able to fit the role as a former winner, her lackluster debut has producers doing damage control for her performance.