Carrie Underwood. Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage
Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol is shaping up to be an emotional one.
A new batch of hopeful musicians pulled on Underwood’s heartstrings in a new trailer for season 23 of American Idol released on Thursday, February 13. “Tell us a little about your family,” Underwood, 41, asks during an audition in the sneak peek. The contestant proceeds to open up about how his grandparents raised him “from the moment that I turned 2.”
The contestant’s backstory makes all of the judges emotional, especially when his family joins him inside the audition room. “She put everything that she had in me all of those years,” he states while hugging his grandmother.”
The sentimental moment brought Underwood to tears. “You OK over there?” Luke Bryan asks his fellow country singer before he and Lionel Richie embrace Underwood for a hug. “I’m not,” she tearfully replies.
Disney/Eric McCandless The search for a brand-new American Idol is about to begin. Season 23 of ABC’s singing competition show is returning this March with season 4 winner Carrie Underwood serving as a judge for the very first time. “It has been so amazing being part of American Idol as a judge,” she shared via […]
The contestant’s musical talents and authenticity appeared to win over the judges, as the trailer shows the trio telling him, “You’re going to Hollywood!”
The teaser goes on to show more clips of contestants looking to impress the star-studded judging panel on the ABC competition series. “This show is for people that have the talent, have the dream, and they just need a chance,” Underwood states at the end of the clip.
Season 23 will mark Underwood’s judging debut on the show. The gig is a full-circle moment for the singer, as she famously got her big break winning season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Underwood was announced to be stepping into former judge Katy Perry’s shoes for the upcoming season back in August 2024.
“Well, it is 20 years since she auditioned in St. Louis for American Idol, and to have the first ever Idol alum on the panel has always been something that’s been interesting to me,” showrunner and executive producer Megan Wolflick told Entertainment Tonight of Underwood’s casting at the time. “She is our queen, she is our icon of American Idol.”
Wolflick went on to note that host Ryan Seacrest “couldn’t be more excited” over Underwood’s return, as he has “been there every step of the way with Carrie.” She added, “He was like just over the moon about it. And the guys are so excited too. I mean, obviously, they both know her, they’re excited to work with her.”
When asked about what her judging style will be on the show, Underwood told radio personality Buzz Brainard in August 2024, “I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind. And I think that’s the whole point, because people are coming in and it’s dreams. You’re part of somebody’s story from that moment on.”
Earlier this month, Underwood reflected on her American Idol evolution via Instagram. “’Then’ as a contestant vs. ‘Now’ as a judge 20 years later!” she captioned side-by-side photos from her American Idol audition and her as a judge on Sunday, February 9. “Counting down the days as we’re one month away from the March 9 season premiere of @americanidol on @abc and Stream on @hulu! 🎤🎶 #CUonIDOL.”
American Idol season 23 premieres on ABC Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET.
