Carrie Underwood Says It Was ‘Impossible’ Not To Feel Nostalgic In Return To American Idol, But One Part Was Apparently Pretty Painful

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In just a few days, we’ll get our first glimpse of Carrie Underwood making her grand return to American Idol, marking the show’s first winner coming back as a judge. A special episode focused on auditions will air on March 2 following the Academy Awards ceremony in 2025, and I have no doubt that the Oscar winners won’t be the only ones experiencing strong emotions. Underwood has shared some insights into her feelings, expressing that the sense of nostalgia was indeed powerful, and Lionel Richie, another Idol judge, added that something else impacted Underwood quite deeply as well.

When “American Idol” Season 23 airs on the 2025 television lineup, it will mark twenty years since Carrie Underwood claimed the title as Season 4 champion. To add to the nostalgia, this season’s Hollywood Week was recorded at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre – a location that resonates with our new judge, who shared reminiscences about it with TV Insider.

In this theater, I experienced my own “Hollywood Week.” To me, it appeared far larger than it does now in my memories. At 21 years old, I had never been on an airplane and hadn’t seen anything quite as impressive. It seemed so grandiose and immense, with countless other competitors. Now I find myself seated at the judges’ table, reminiscing about those days. As I watch others perform, I can’t help but think, “This person reminds me of Bo Bice from this year.” A bit of nostalgia is inevitable.

Bo Bice, during Season 4, finished as the runner-up to Carrie Underwood. That’s quite a compliment for anyone who can draw such a comparison!

The auditions and Hollywood Week were filmed in the fall, meaning Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and the rest of the judges have already had a glimpse of the former contestant’s judging skills. While she might possess unique insights from being on the other side of the table, Richie mentioned that one aspect of the job struck her as profoundly as it does them. He expressed:

It was the same thing we went through: How do I say that many nos? [Carrie] was a nervous wreck.

It’s understandable that one might find it difficult to reject people, but given Carrie Underwood‘s experience during her early days on American Idol and dealing with Simon Cowell, she may find it less challenging due to her understanding of the emotions auditioners go through. As the singer behind “Blown Away,” she is well-aware that the tough criticism can be beneficial for artists, even if it’s difficult to accept at first.

She made it clear when discussing her approach to judging, stating that once contestants step onto the stage, she becomes a part of their narratives, regardless of their final placement, which is a responsibility she and the other judges don’t treat casually.

Looking forward to watching Carrie Underwood round off that journey, and it’s likely there will be touching, sentimental moments between us as she goes.

As a movie critic, I’m excitedly counting down to American Idol’s Season 23 Post-Oscars Audition Special airing at 10:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 2, exclusively on ABC. If the Oscars go overtime and keep you waiting, don’t fret! You can catch up with a Hulu subscription the very next day.

Fasten your seatbelts as Carrie Underwood’s reign begins officially at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 9, once more gracing our screens on ABC.

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2025-02-28 14:24