Ryan Seacrest is making an extra effort to support new ‘American Idol’ judge Carrie Underwood, raising eyebrows among fans. Could their long history explain his behavior, or is there something deeper at play? With mixed reactions to Carrie’s role, Ryan’s unwavering support may be a strategic move to ensure her success. Read on to uncover what’s really going on.

Ryan Seacrest’s History with Carrie Underwood Raises Questions
Ryan Seacrest has been the face of ‘American Idol’ since its inception in 2002, guiding contestants through their journeys while building relationships with the show’s biggest stars. His history with Carrie Underwood goes back two decades to when she won ‘American Idol’ in 2005. Now, as she steps into her new role as a judge, Ryan’s behavior has raised speculation among fans.
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Carrie is filling the seat left by Katy Perry, who decided to step away after seven seasons to refocus on her music career. While some fans are excited to see Carrie in this new role, others remain skeptical due to her previous association with former President Donald Trump. Regardless of public opinion, Ryan is making it clear that he won’t tolerate any negativity directed at Carrie. But is his support purely professional, or is there more to the story?

Seacrest’s Efforts to Shield Carrie Underwood from Criticism
According to insiders, Ryan Seacrest is going out of his way to ensure Carrie avoids the kind of scrutiny that previous judges, like Katy Perry, faced. Reports suggest that the backstage atmosphere became toxic at times, with judges receiving harsh backlash from fans. A source told Life & Style that Ryan is determined to protect Carrie from any potential hostility and to maintain her pristine public image.
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“He wants to do everything he can to make sure Carrie avoids any pitfalls and stays golden in the fans’ eyes,” the insider revealed. “The best way of doing that is to be supportive, work as a team, and ensure there’s no rivalry or cattiness.”
This approach aligns with Ryan’s reputation as a seasoned host who values professionalism and a positive work environment. With his influence, he aims to make Carrie’s transition smooth while preserving the integrity of the show. However, some critics argue that his intense efforts may indicate an ulterior motive—whether personal or strategic remains up for debate.

Carrie’s Controversial Past and the Fan Backlash
While Carrie Underwood remains one of the most successful ‘American Idol’ winners, her career has not been without controversy. Her decision to perform at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration sparked outrage among certain fan groups, leading to calls for boycotts of her music and, more recently, her role as a judge on ‘American Idol.’
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Despite the backlash, Carrie defended her choice, stating, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.” She emphasized her commitment to unity and looking toward the future.
Ryan Seacrest appears to be doing everything possible to reinforce this image of Carrie as ‘America’s Sweetheart.’ Sources say he sees her as a massive talent and genuinely enjoys working with her. “She’s quite nervous and wants to do her best job, and Ryan has appointed himself Carrie’s guiding light,” a source explained. “She’s his favorite—when she speaks, he’s all ears.”
Ryan Seacrest’s efforts to uplift Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’ have not gone unnoticed. Whether his actions stem from genuine admiration, their long history, or a calculated strategy to maintain show harmony, one thing is certain—he is fully committed to ensuring her success.

What do you think? Is Ryan’s support for Carrie purely professional, or is there something more behind his behavior? Share your thoughts in the comments below!