'American Idol' Fans Are Devastated by Carrie Underwood's News Around the Finale

Carrie Underwood was scheduled to return back to the show where it all started and although things didn't go as planned, the show must go on.

The season finale of American Idol aired Sunday, May 22, with the "Before He Cheats" singer as one of the night's anticipated performers. After appearing on the show earlier in the season as a celebrity mentor, fans were stoked to learn that the country queen was returning to the stage where she reigned champion back in 2005.

But unfortunately, that wasn't able to happen. At the beginning of the finale host Ryan Seacrest announced: "There was a COVID exposure within Carrie Underwood group." He continued with, "So following protocol, she is unable to perform tonight. Sad, but you can check her out on her tour, Denim & Rhinestones."

While fans were super disappointed, we're happy that Carrie and the AI group were being extra cautious.

Carrie's American Idol finale performance would have come after her own finale. The Grammy winner just wrapped up her Las Vegas residency and she's already planning on coming back for another leg in 2023. She shared this farewell post with fans to celebrate:

She captioned it by saying, "And that’s a wrap on #REFLECTION shows for 2022! I’m gonna miss our #Vegas crew, and of course, the fans! We’ll see you next year back at @resortsworldlv but until then, catch us out on the road in a city near you for the #DenimAndRhinestones Tour!"

Even her sons Isaiah and Jacob joined their mom in Sin City to support her at her last residency show of the year:

To say that it's been a busy year for Carrie would be an understatement. Amid her Las Vegas shows, Carrie somehow found time to drop a number 1 hit with Jason Aldean called "If I Didn't Love You," perform at Stagecoach with Axl Rose, and so much more.

With an upcoming album set to be released this June and an accompanying tour featuring Jimmie Allen kicking off this fall, we're sending our best wishes to Carrie and her team because this year is going to be HUGE for the American Idol alum!

You Might Also Like

• 60+ Grilling Recipes for an Epic Summer Cookout

• The Best Reese Witherspoon Movies, Ranked

• 70 Impressive Tiny Houses That Maximize Function and Style