Ryan Seacrest thinks Carrie Underwood is a bigger star compared to Kelly Clarkson

If you were to ask "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest who the bigger star is between the show's alumni Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, he would have to go with the latter.

Seacrest was actually asked by Today who he thinks is the biggest star of the singing competition. Without hesitation, Seacrest answered: "Carrie Underwood."

When one of the host chimed in and answered, "Clarkson," Seacrest agreed but he did have a good explanation why he went with Underwood.

"Kelly too, but, you know, I was just on New Year's with Carrie, and she's just a superstar. She really is. So I take Carrie," he said.

"American Idol" is starting its final season this 2016 and after working on the show since June 2002, Seacrest admitted that it feels surreal that they won't be making season 16 anymore.

"I can't imagine life without going on the auditions every summer, then doing the shows for months afterward," he shared. "I'm just sort of thinking about that last episode, the last night, the final time we crown a winner and how emotional that will be. I love this show."

He added that he will be "looking for something" new to work on once "American Idol" wraps up in May.

As for Underwood, she is currently basking in the glory of her new album "Storyteller," which contains a lot of hit singles like "Smoke Break," "Heartbeat," and "Renegade Runaway."

"Storyteller" is Underwood's fifth studio album, and it featured a lot of songs that the Christian songstress wrote about her husband NHL star Mike Fisher and their son Isaiah Michael.

"I feel like one of the things that sets country music apart from other types of music is the storytelling aspect," Underwood said of her songs. "I want three-and-a-half-minute movies on the radio. I love that there's a beginning, middle, and an end, and it all makes sense."

related articles
Mike Fisher \'very proud\' of all the hard work his wife Carrie Underwood put into making \'Storyteller\' album
Mike Fisher 'very proud' of all the hard work his wife Carrie Underwood put into making 'Storyteller' album

Mike Fisher 'very proud' of all the hard work his wife Carrie Underwood put into making 'Storyteller' album

Carrie Underwood gushes about son Isaiah, considers him the \'best thing\' that she and husband Mike Fisher ever did
Carrie Underwood gushes about son Isaiah, considers him the 'best thing' that she and husband Mike Fisher ever did

Carrie Underwood gushes about son Isaiah, considers him the 'best thing' that she and husband Mike Fisher ever did

Carrie Underwood says although her life may appear perfect to her fans, she actually has 3 flaws
Carrie Underwood says although her life may appear perfect to her fans, she actually has 3 flaws

Carrie Underwood says although her life may appear perfect to her fans, she actually has 3 flaws

Carrie Underwood\'s \'very best friend\' calls singer \'amazing\' for the way she handles her professional life and motherhood
Carrie Underwood's 'very best friend' calls singer 'amazing' for the way she handles her professional life and motherhood

Carrie Underwood's 'very best friend' calls singer 'amazing' for the way she handles her professional life and motherhood

Carrie Underwood recalls something extra special on New Year\'s Eve: Anniversary of her and Mike Fisher\'s first date and kiss
Carrie Underwood recalls something extra special on New Year's Eve: Anniversary of her and Mike Fisher's first date and kiss

Carrie Underwood recalls something extra special on New Year's Eve: Anniversary of her and Mike Fisher's first date and kiss

News
More than 30 Christians Slain in Plateau State, Nigeria
More than 30 Christians Slain in Plateau State, Nigeria

Attacks on villages of one area also leave injuries and destruction.

Church vows to plough on with Project Spire
Church vows to plough on with Project Spire

Project Spire has been criticised morally, historically, theologically, practically and legally.

Extremist abductions in Nigeria surge by 153% as violence rises again, report finds
Extremist abductions in Nigeria surge by 153% as violence rises again, report finds

Abductions linked to extremist violence in Nigeria more than doubled in the final three months of 2025, according to a new report warning that insecurity in the country is worsening again after several years of comparatively lower violence.

Christian, pro-life groups rally against assisted suicide
Christian, pro-life groups rally against assisted suicide

Andy Burnham appears less keen on assisted suicide than Keir Starmer.