Carrie Underwood Says "American Idol" Would Be Wise to Finally Have A Country Star As Judge

Last we heard "American Idol" was trying to work out a deal for either KEITH URBAN or BRAD PAISLEY to be a judge for this season. CARRIE UNDERWOOD says that's a good move, simply because the audience seems to want it. She said, quote, "I do think it would be wise to have a country person be a judge. You look at the track record of 'American Idol', and there's me and SCOTTY [MCCREERY] and LAUREN [ALAINA] who were the final two. "There's obviously a want for it from the audience because that's who they are voting for. So, it makes sense they would have somebody they know and love in as a judge."

Did Toby Keith Say No To Being a Judge on "American Idol"?

According to Examiner.com, TOBY KEITH did an interview for a small California newspaper where he admitted that he turned down an offer to be a judge on "American Idol". Apparently, Toby was offered STEVEN TYLER'S job earlier this month, but he said no because he couldn't take that much time off from his career.

(--Just last week we heard "Idol" was "seriously considering" bringing in BRAD PAISLEY to be a judge. Sounds like they went to Brad AFTER Toby said no. Hey, who knows for sure?)

Lauren Alaina Says Brad Paisley Would Make a Great American Idol Judge.

Brad Paisley's name has surfaced as a potential judge for American Idol's upcoming 12th season, and season 10 finalist Lauren Alaina thinks Brad would be a good fit for the show. She's met him a few times and says, "I think that that would be really cool. He has a great personality. Every time I've talked with him, he's super nice." As one of the notable country artists to come from American Idol, Lauren thinks having Brad or another country star on the judges' panel is the right move for the show. "As far as country music as a whole, it's not really been, like, present every season," Lauren explains, "and I feel like that would definitely step it up a little bit on the show." Mariah Carey has signed on to serve as an American Idol judge next year, and her friend and original judge Randy Jackson is expected to return for the 12th season.