AMERICAN Idol fans have said that Carrie Underwood is a better judge than Katy Perry.

Carrie Underwood, 41, who won American Idol back in 2005, made her judging debut on the hit talent show on March 9 – 20 years after she won it.

Carrie Underwood made her American Idol judging debut on Sunday nightCredit: Instagram / americanidol

Carrie replaced Katy Perry after she quit the show in season 22Credit: YouTube/American Idol

Carrie had a teary first episodeCredit: Fox

After seven seasons as a judge on the show, hitmaker Katy Perry announced that season 22 would be her last, with Carrie now stepping into her shoes.

As Carrie took to the judging panel for the very first time and endured an emotional and teary episode due to a slew of moving performances, fans were quick to react to her judging debut.

“It was the best first episode ever,” said one fan on X, reacting to Carrie’s judging debut.

“Jukebox Carrie Underwood is way better than Katy Perry sorry not sorry,” said another.

“I literally just tweeted the same thing,” said someone else in response.

“She runs circles around Perry,” said a fourth.

“I love Carrie Underwood on American Idol,” declared a fifth.

DIVIDED OPINION

A sixth person then said: “Jukebox Carrie is one of the greatest American Idol judges ever!”

“I like Carrie Underwood but I miss Katy Perry as a judge,” said a seventh, who expressed how they were missing the Firework singer.

“Don’t get me wrong…I love Carrie, but missing the dynamic of Katy Perry,” echoed an eighth.

Carrie Underwood breaks down in tears as American Idol contestant performs her song

This comes after Carrie failed to contain her emotions on Sunday night when she broke down in tears.

Breanna Nix performed Jesus, Take The Wheel when she appeared on the show.

The 25-year-old mom-of-one walked into the audition room with her baby son Emerson, and her husband Austin.

Emerson sat on Carrie’s lap while Breanna performed with her husband who played the piano.

Who are the past American Idol winners?

The previous American Idol winners include:

Kelly Clarkson (2002)

Ruben Studdard (2003)

Fantasia Barrino (2004)

Carrie Underwood (2005)

Taylor Hicks (2006)

Jordin Sparks (2007)

David Cook (2008)

Kris Allen (2009)

Lee DeWyze (2010)

Scotty McCreery (2011)

Phillip Phillips (2012)

Candice Glover (2013)

Caleb Johnson (2014)

Nick Fradiani (2015)

Trent Harmon (2016)

Maddie Poppe (2018)

Laine Hardy (2019)

Just Sam (2020)

Chayce Beckham (2021)

Noah Thompson (2022)

Iam Tongi (2023)

CARRIE CRYING PRETTY

As Breanna sang, Carrie could be seen getting emotional as baby Emerson almost fell asleep due to his mom’s soothing vocals.

Carrie then sniffled as she teared up, saying: “I’m sorry, he’s just so adorable and sweet.”

Breaking her silence about the emotional moment she had on the show, Carrie said on X: “I had a hard time going back and forth between talking to Emerson and the adults.

“Sorry you got the baby talk @breannanixmusic ! What a great audition!!! Such a beautiful family!”

MAJOR CHANGE FOR SEASON 23

While coming back to the show that “started it all” is emotional enough – producers made specific choices this season that tugged on Carrie’s heartstrings even further, a source told The U.S. Sun.

For the Showstoppers Showcase during Hollywood Week, producers chose to film at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.

The venue is the same exact space Carrie filmed her Hollywood Week at as a contestant back in 2005.

“The Orpheum Theatre was Carrie’s first time performing on a real stage and being in LA so it has a lot of sentimental value.

“That was definitely a consideration when it came to the decision of choosing where to film for this season.

“It was the first time Carrie had been on a plane. The first time she performed in front of the audience. It really is what started it all,” the insider said.

The theatre is said to be very “sentimental” for Carrie – which led to an “emotional moment” when she was filming this current season.

Breanna Nix performed on American Idol on Sunday nightCredit: Fox

Carrie looked after Breanna’s son Emerson as she performedCredit: Fox