What It's Like Working With Carrie Underwood on American Idol Season 23
What It's Like Working With Carrie Underwood on American Idol Season 23
Behind the scenes with judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – and how Carrie’s full-circle moment is making headlines.
#AmericanIdol #CarrieUnderwood #Season23Idol #LukeBryan #LionelRichie #CarrieReturns #IdolFamily #MusicDreams
Carrie Underwood is back – but this time, she’s on the other side of the stage. Nearly 20 years after winning American Idol in Season 4, the country superstar has returned to the show, not as a contestant, but as one of its judges. Season 23 of American Idol kicked off on March 9, and fans are already buzzing about Carrie’s new role alongside longtime judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Just days before the premiere, the trio appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Fallon was quick to bring up the nostalgia, calling it a “full circle moment” for Underwood. When asked if she remembered her audition number from all those years ago, she replied without missing a beat: “14887.” The crowd erupted, and even her fellow judges were impressed.
Carrie the “Human Jukebox”
Lionel Richie had nothing but praise for his new co-star, jokingly calling her a “jukebox” because she knows every song the contestants sing. And he wasn’t kidding. During the March 19 episode, Carrie surprised everyone by joining in as contestant Kolby Melton performed the heavy metal hit Freak on a Leash. Richie and Bryan looked stunned as she belted out every lyric with ease.
“She knew every word! I mean, who are you?” Richie exclaimed. Later, she even joined in on a duet of Drowning Pool’s “Bodies,” showing fans she’s not just judging – she’s vibing.
A Judge with Heart
But Carrie isn’t just about belting out lyrics and having fun. She’s proving to be a thoughtful, empathetic judge – sometimes too empathetic, according to her co-judges.
Richie recalled one audition moment where Carrie confidently gave two contestants a “yes” but hesitated on the third. “Luke and I were laughing,” Richie shared. “We knew she had to say no, but she was like, ‘She’s just so adorable…’”
Luke Bryan chimed in, teasing her gently: “There was not any more in that woman’s [performance]… it was a firm no.”
Carrie defended her decision-making style, saying, “I care a lot. These are people’s hopes and dreams. I try to evaluate if there’s more in there. Sometimes I just want to give them that chance.”
From Contestant to Coach
It’s no secret that Carrie Underwood’s Idol journey changed her life. Now, she’s doing her best to guide others through the same process – with compassion and a whole lot of musical knowledge.
She even joked on The Tonight Show about becoming a human “teleprompter” when nervous contestants forget lyrics. “I got you,” she said. “I will help you.” Her instinct to support rather than criticize has been refreshing for fans to see.
Lionel Richie summed it up perfectly: “I go, Carrie, they’re competing. It’s not you. You already won.” But that hasn’t stopped her from putting her heart into every audition.
Fan Reactions
Fans are already loving the energy of this season. On YouTube and social media, comments are flooding in, praising the dynamic between the judges and Carrie’s authentic return.
“This is so awesome to see Luke and Lionel, they are so funny, and then add in Carrie, so awesome.”
“I’m so excited for Season 23 of American Idol! This group of judges is already like family.”
“I’ve been watching Carrie since day one. Love all of you. God bless.”
There’s no doubt: bringing Carrie Underwood back to American Idol is one of the best decisions the show has made in years. She’s not only a superstar in her own right, but she also brings empathy, musical expertise, and that unmistakable Idol spark to the judging panel.
As this season unfolds, viewers can expect more memorable performances, heartfelt moments, and, of course, some hilarious judge banter. Whether she’s singing along with contestants or helping guide their journey, Carrie Underwood is proving she’s right where she belongs — back home on the Idol stage.
#AmericanIdol2025 #CarrieReturns #LukeBryan #LionelRichie #Season23Idol #IdolFamily #MusicDreams #FromContestantToJudge #CarrieUnderwood
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