Carrie Underwood is facing backlash from fans for singing along to one of Whitney Houston‘s most famous songs, with multiple online critics deriding the American Idol judge for even touching a Houston track.
To start, Underwood’s debut role as a judge this past season was divisive from the get-go, with plenty of longtime American Idol viewers stating they were going to boycott the show after Underwood performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. On the other hand, there were still plenty of fans cheering on the “Before He Cheats” singer, excited to see the Season 4 winner at the judges’ table.
Now, Underwood is facing criticism yet again — with viewers holding nothing back in response to the singer belting out part of Houston’s massive hit, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” in a behind-the-scenes video on American Idol.
On Sunday, May 18 — the live finale of Season 33, during which America crowned Jamal Roberts the newest Idol champion — Underwood took to her socials to share a clip of her glam team touching her up amid a commercial break. At the time, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” blared in the background, so the “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer sang along to the tune, showcasing her vocals as she belted out the chorus while sitting at the judges’ table.
Many fans felt like Houston, who died in 2012, wouldn’t have approved of Underwood singing the hit due to her apparent support of Trump.
“Girl, Whitney Houston would not like your MAGA ass,” pop culture account Mr. Pop shared via X.
Others were even more blunt. “Don’t dare sing Whitney,” another person wrote.
“Girl you leave Whitney song alon[e],” chimed in a Facebook user.
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Others simply compared Underwood’s voice to Houston’s.
“She can’t beat Whitney’s vocals…sorry not sorry,” someone else penned, while another agreed, writing, “She’ll never be Whitney…lol.”
Another fan acknowledged that Underwood “is a very good singer,” but felt the sing-along “was kinda awkward.”
For all the criticism, however, there were other fans in the comments section of Underwood’s upload who loved her rendition.
“Carrie singing Whitney is now my Roman Empire 🔥😩,” one person gushed.
“Carrie! You need to sing this !” another user begged. “You can sing anything but I love Whitney !”
Notably, Underwood’s brief sing-along to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” was not the first Houston hit she’s performed. In fact, Underwood previously sang Houston’s iconic power ballad “I Will Always Love You” as a duet with Dolly Parton — who wrote and originally recorded the track, before Houston’s powerfully heart-wrenching cover of the track became one of her signature songs.
