Carrie Underwood Responds to Controversial Song by Unconventional ‘American Idol’ Contestant

The latest episode of ABC’s American Idol, which aired on Sunday, showcased a series of auditions from Nashville and Los Angeles, featuring an unforgettable performance that included an original song filled with explicit language.

Sophie Powers, a 20-year-old aspiring singer and fashion designer hailing from Toronto, made a memorable appearance. She donned a pastel pink jacket paired with green pants adorned with hearts and her initials, SP. Her unique style set the stage for what was to come.

Addressing the judges—Carrie Underwood, making her return as a judge two decades after her own Idol victory, alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan—Powers introduced her original piece as “a tearjerker for sure.”

Despite her introduction, the judges found themselves more amused than moved. Her song, titled “STFU,” an acronym for “Shut the F**k Up,” triggered laughter among the panel rather than tears.

The laughter wasn’t confined to the judges’ table; it echoed throughout the studio, with Idol staffers off-camera also unable to contain their amusement. Even Underwood, Richie, and Bryan were seen chuckling during the performance.

Ultimately, all three judges decided not to advance Powers to the next round, sending her home. Her performance sparked a mix of reactions from viewers on social media. While many found her act hilarious, others were less entertained, drawing comparisons to the infamous Idol contestant William Hung.

The song begins with some verses about a pet lizard named George that made her bored, so she gave him to her mom because ‘animals are better than people.’

She then goes on about people trying to ‘cancel’ her and admitting she ‘doesn’t even like my job.’

The song then picks up the pace as she rattles off people and things she wants to, ‘Shut the f**k up,’ like, Karens, vegans and even babies.

Lionel was thrown for quite the loop, as staffers could be heard cracking up laughing, as the next verse was aimed at laundry, war and dinosaurs, as Luke started laughing.

The last verse was aimed at traffic, people and groceries, which even got Carrie to laugh, as the song came to an end, and Sophie dryly proclaimed, ‘That’s it.’

The judges were clearly at a loss for words, as Sophie asked, ‘How do you feel, Lionel?’ 

‘I’m mortified,’ Lionel responded, while Luke added that his wife, ‘would play me that song every evening. You should have put, “Luke, shut the f**k up.”‘

Carrie added, ‘You’ve clearly got a thing going, you are interesting. You know, obviously in the context of American Idol, I don’t know how you would fit in here.’

Sophie added, ‘Yeah, neither do I. I’m literally Canadian, so…’ as Lionel laughed, and Carrie said, ‘It’s a no for American Idol.’

Both Lionel and Luke gave her a no as well, as she smiled and walked off stage, while many reacted online, one fan even comparing Sophie to William Hung, who went viral on Idol in 2004 for his horrendous audition to Ricky Martin’s She Bangs.

‘She’s the next William Hung. Definitely going to be talked about,’ said X user @micortazonzz1. 

@AbbeyJones11 said, ‘Sophie, girl…’ with a GIF of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott on The Office, with #AmericanIdol @AmericanIdol.

Another user – @patty_sawicki – said, ‘@sophiep0wers I loved it. #AmericanIdol.’

Paul Seguin (@kedopaul) added, ‘well shut the f**k up …geez that girl was weird! #AmericanIdol and she was from Toronto.’

Serenity (@BeforeHeCheatss) tweeted during the song, ‘LMAO iykyk #americanidol.’

Paul Bacon (@PaulBacon30) said, ‘Sophie is the “Shut _____ Up” girl, much like Bhad Bhabie, the “Cash Me Outside” girl from Dr. Phil. #AmericanIdol.’

Heidi (@ItsmeGrigio) added, ‘This STFU audition song is probably going to trend on Tiktok soon #AmericanIdol.’

Reid Harris Cooper (@reidhcooper) added, ‘Today @sophiep0wers became a legend! Shut the f**k up! #AmericanIdol.’

Lynnie (@TweetThisBabe) said, ‘Up next tonight on #AmericanIdol is #SophiePowers and I’m laughing so hard. Well it was ” Shut The F**k Up” and well while it was funny, a total NO from all the judges who were laughing.. goodness! hahaha.’

Nikola (@nikola_minik) said onX, ‘We need more people like her on the show #AmericanIdol.’

Tiffany (@T1FFANYROCK) was aghast, tweeting, ‘I can’t believe they aired that,’ with a sobbing emoji and #AmericanIdol hashtag.

Just a Fan Account (@maddkat125) added ‘this song is my mantra!’ plus the  #AmericanIdol hashtag.

Molly (@MollyVegas) insisted ‘@AmericanIdol this physically hurts me #AmericanIdol.’

Even host Ryan Seacrest had to tweet about it, stating, ‘An original song with a powerful message?’ with a cry-laughing emoji.

Elsewhere on the episode, the final singer of the night – Filo – a singer born and raised in Egypt and now living in California, was given the next Platinum Ticket, advancing him through Week 2 of the Hollywood round.

Another singer, Bryson Quick, was given another special opportunity, a chance to sing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, alongside former Idol winner Chayce Beckham.

Even host Ryan Seacrest had to tweet about it, stating, ‘An original song with a powerful message?’ with a cry-laughing emoji.

Sophie wasn’t the only one to be rejected by the judges, with 14-year-old Kase Tippens turned away, with the judges saying he wasn’t quite ready yet.

Underwood even shared some sage advice with the singer, revealing a story from her youth as well.

‘When I was 15 years old, I had an artist development thing with a big record label, and it didn’t work out. And it was the best thing for me,” she assured Kace. “If that had happened, then it would have not gone anywhere, and that would be the end of my story. It’s not a no, it’s a no for today. But you are incredible,’ she said.

American Idol returns with a new round of auditions on Sunday, March 23 at 8 PM ET only on ABC.