Carrie Underwood was proposed as a "backup singer" to fill the judge's position that Katy Perry had previously abandoned on "American Idol," which was struggling with low ratings. Miley Cyrus was allegedly not financially feasible for the show.
According to insiders who spoke exclusively to National Enquirer, Carrie, who is 41 years old, was given the job when Miley, who is 31 years old, sought a wage that was equal to or greater than the staggering $25 million that Katy had been pocketing.
"But Idol ratings have slid in the past few years, so they were looking for a more affordable option," a show source dished.
"It's well known internally Miley Cyrus was the network and the producers' first choice to replace Katy, but topping Katy's already high salary was never on the table," a network insider said.
According to another individual who disclosed the information, some executives were also concerned that Miley is not a "family-friendly" successor for Katy, who announced her departure from "American Idol" on Jimmy Kimmel's show at the beginning of this year.
The insider claimed, "There is 'casting drama' over Miley, not about her talent or career, but her ability to be controversial. Some senior figures at ABC have concerns about the risque and open nature of Miley saying or doing something which is not necessarily family-friendly.”
So, to level the playing field with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Carrie, the singer of "Before He Cheats," agreed to accept twelve million dollars for the performance, IMDB shared.
"Carrie really wanted to get on board with Idol," a tipster said. "Money wasn't a big motivation for her, it was more getting off the road from touring and being able to spend more time with her family."
In addition, Carrie continues to be profoundly grateful for the role that “American Idol” played in her career. The show was the catalyst that brought her from obscurity to a household name after she won the fourth season in 2005, as per BuzzFeed.
Despite this, producers are left wondering what may have been with the singer from "Wrecking Ball," who served as a coach on "The Voice."
"Miley would have brought a lot of Katy-like sass to American Idol," the insider snitched. "Carrie is more reserved and will be nicer to the contestants. But Idol still got the big name they sought - and at a price they could swallow!"
Business Times has reached out to Carrie Underwood and Miley Cyrus for comments.
