P1.CARRIE Underwood’s American Idol comeback came with a catch – actually, three of them, an insider has exclusively told The U.S. Sun.P1

Carrie Underwood’s American Idol Comeback Came With Three Non-Negotiable Conditions

Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol was far from guaranteed — and it almost didn’t happen at all.

According to a production insider who spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun, the country superstar was quietly on the brink of walking away from the hit ABC competition series until producers agreed to make three major behind-the-scenes changes designed specifically to keep her on board.

After joining the judges’ panel last season, the Grammy-winning singer reportedly struggled more than viewers ever realized. Insiders say Carrie was overwhelmed by intense online backlash, constant criticism of her appearance, and the emotional toll of being separated from her family for long stretches of filming.

“She really struggled last season,” the source revealed. “The noise from fans was much louder than she was prepared for.”

As a result, producers were forced to rethink the structure of the show ahead of the upcoming season — with Carrie, 42, firmly in mind.

One of the most significant changes was the complete removal of Hollywood Week, a staple of American Idol for years. The decision was made to drastically reduce the amount of time the judges needed to film in Los Angeles.

Instead, production shifted heavily toward Nashville, Carrie’s home base and a city deeply rooted in music culture. “It made sense,” the insider explained. “It’s her comfort zone.”

Another major change involved the show’s traditional Hawaii episodes. This season, filming at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Oahu will last weeks longer than in previous years, marking the most extended Hawaii production in Idol history.

But perhaps the most personal accommodation of all was allowing Carrie to bring her entire family along for the journey — something that had not been possible in prior seasons.

“A big part of why they changed the format was to accommodate the judges’ wants more, specifically Carrie,” the source said.

Behind the scenes, the pressure had been building. Insiders claim Carrie was deeply affected by harsh viewer reactions following her performance at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, which aired just days before the season premiered. The political backlash only amplified the scrutiny she was already facing.

“Every episode, there were people criticizing her appearance,” the source added. “That really got to her.”

Combined with the distance from her loved ones, the stress reportedly pushed Carrie close to quitting altogether. “There were real talks about her not coming back,” the insider admitted.

Ultimately, producers moved quickly to ensure she felt supported, comfortable, and heard. With her conditions met, Carrie agreed to return — but this time, on her terms.

“They couldn’t afford to lose her,” the source said bluntly.

Carrie, who first rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2005, now returns alongside fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, with longtime host Ryan Seacrest once again leading the show.

American Idol Season 24 premieres Monday, January 26, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC — marking not just a new season, but a carefully negotiated comeback for one of its most iconic stars.

Carrie Underwood ‘Nearly Quit’ American Idol — But Agreed to Return Under Three Strict Conditions…

The country superstar was reportedly quietly on the brink of walking away from ABC’s hit show until producers agreed to make significant behind-the-scenes changes to keep her on board.

So what were the three conditions that convinced her to change her mind and return to the very place that launched her career?

👉 The full details are revealed in the comments.