NOT Carrie Underwood, AN A-list pop star was American Idol’s ‘top pick’ to be a judge, exclusively reveal.

A-list pop star was American Idol’s ‘top pick’ before Carrie Underwood but her ‘ridiculous’ salary demand squashed deal

AN A-list pop star was American Idol’s ‘top pick’ to be a judge before casting Carrie Underwood, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.

Despite ABC execs having their eyes set on a certain Hollywood icon, the star’s alleged “ridiculous” salary demand ultimately ended up squashing the deal.

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Carrie Underwood celebrates Ladies Night on American IdolCredit: Getty

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Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie judge American IdolCredit: Getty
Carrie, 42, was officially welcomed to the American Idol judges’ panel when the show announced the casting choice in August 2024.

It came following a long hunt for someone who could fill Katy Perry’s shoes after she left the show in 2024 after six years.

Before Carrie was the final pick to join judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, execs had their eyes set on another A-list name.

According to a show insider: “Miley Cyrus was the top pick to replace Katy Perry.

“Everyone was on board with her and she got an official offer but the deal fell through when Miley was asking for even more money than Katy which they found ridiculous.

“She surprised the producers with how much she genuinely cared about helping the contestants.

“She relates to people in a way no one else did and the show wanted her bad but couldn’t justify the price tag.

“It wasn’t possible. And she was firm and wouldn’t come down from the number.”

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Miley Cyrus performs onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: Getty

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Katy Perry stuns in a cutout blue dress on the American Idol stage before her departureCredit: Getty
Allegedly, Miley, 32, wanted upwards of $30 million for her debut Idol season – more than Katy’s reported $25 million salary.

It appears those making the decisions behind-the-scenes weren’t the only ones who wanted the Hannah Montana alum on the show.

WHEN I LUKE AT YOU

Last year, Luke, 48, praised Miley as she was “in talks” to join the singing competition.

“I’ve said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks.

Carrie Underwood’s Controversial Role as American Idol Judge: Behind the Scenes
“But they’re being tight-lipped about it. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do.

“And we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide,” Luke previously told Billboard.

CARRIE-D AWAY

Previously, The U.S. Sun reported that Carrie was not Idol’s first pick to be a judge on season 23.

While many viewers “love” the Grammy-winning country singer and gush she’s been a “breath of fresh air” on the show, others have been disappointed by her performance as a judge.

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)

Abi Carter (2024)

Jamal Roberts (2025)

It seems the divide began long before Carrie stepped into her new role, as producers and studio execs were not all on the same page about hiring her.

According to a production insider, Carrie was “not the network’s first pick to be a judge this season.”

“They spoke with a handful of other A-list artists in pop and country before landing on Carrie.

“It was not a unanimous decision,” the insider added.

Idol has not yet revealed their plans for the judges panel next season, but sources have claimed the show hopes all three stars return.

After crowning fan-favorite Jamal Roberts as the season 23 winner, Idol is on hiatus until it returns in early 2026 for season 24.

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Miley Cyrus stuns as she is seen leaving her hotel in ParisCredit: Splash

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan pose with host Ryan SeacrestCredit: Getty