Nikki Glaser joined Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood as a guest judge on American Idol in late April, and her appearance – and apparent “tension” with Carrie is still getting people talking.

Comedian Nikki appeared as a guest judge for Taylor Swift Night, which aired on April 27, 2026, and viewers took to social media at the time to comment on a noted stress between the two.  

Comments included fans claiming Carrie would grimace whenever Nikki spoke, with one X user tweeting: “The tension between Carrie and Nikki is KILLING me lmaoo”.

“Well, I don’t think Carrie Underwood looks happy that Nikki Glaser is there,” read one comment, as another viewer called Carrie “unprofessional” for not making an “attempt to hide” her apparent dislike for Nikki.

However, Carrie has now denied the accusations, calling Nikki “wonderful” and praising her for doing “such a great job”.

The singer appeared on Sirius XM’s Highway Mornings with Cody Alan to confirm there was “no beef” between her and the 41-year-old comedian.

“I’m like, “Do you know Carrie Underwood?” Like, she’s never going to be a mean person,” said Alan said. “They want to cause a catfight over the smallest little thing.”

Carrie responded: “And I think she did such a great job because it’s not an easy thing to come sit behind that desk and try to think of constructive things to say. And I don’t know, I feel like she did everything wonderfully. But no, there’s no beef. I have no beef.”

It’s not the first time the American Idol judges have been joined by a fourth – Jennifer Hudson was a guest judge the week prior.

Carrie has also received criticism for her “honest” feedback, including booing from the live audiences.

When Carrie signed on to be a judge, she said she would be “very honest” when giving feedback to contestants, and she has kept to her word. 

However, during an early March episode, which was filmed in Nashville, Carrie found herself on the receiving end of her own negative feedback when the singer was booed several times by the audience for her strong yet constructive criticism of the contestants.

While giving feedback to one hopeful, named Mor, Carrie criticized his decision to sing an original song, saying: “In a room like this for you to bring an original song with that incredible band sitting behind you twiddling their thumbs, I feel like it was a missed opportunity.”

“They just like to boo me,” she said, as fellow judge Luke attempted to defend Carrie during one long stretch of booing.

“She only won this. She knows,” he informed the crowd, referring to Carrie winning season 4 of American Idol. Luke’s interference had little impact, leading Carrie to sternly warn the audience that they were “not included in the discussions” of the judging process.