Carrie Underwood has denied any tension with comedian Nikki Glaser, who appeared as a guest judge on American Idol in late April. Viewers had speculated about a rift after noticing what they perceived as awkward interactions during the Taylor Swift Night episode aired on April 27, 2026.
Social media users claimed Underwood grimaced when Glaser spoke, with one X user writing: 'The tension between Carrie and Nikki is KILLING me lmaoo'. Another comment read: 'Well, I don’t think Carrie Underwood looks happy that Nikki Glaser is there,' while some called Underwood 'unprofessional' for not hiding her apparent dislike.
However, Underwood set the record straight during an appearance on Sirius XM’s Highway Mornings with Cody Alan. 'There's no beef. I have no beef,' she said, praising Glaser as 'wonderful' and noting that being a guest judge is 'not an easy thing'. Alan added that people 'want to cause a catfight over the smallest little thing'.
Underwood also faced criticism earlier in the season for her honest feedback, which led to booing from live audiences in Nashville. During one episode, she told a contestant named Mor that singing an original song was a 'missed opportunity', prompting boos. Fellow judge Luke Bryan defended her, reminding the crowd that Underwood won season 4 of American Idol, but Underwood eventually warned the audience they were 'not included in the discussions' of the judging process.
