Carrie Underwood Shares How ‘American Idol’ Experience Impacts Her Role as Judge

Carrie Underwood is taking on the role of “American Idol” judge and she brings a unique perspective to the table. As the season 4 winner of the singing competition, Underwood has been in the same shoes as the hopefuls who are auditioning.

Carrie Underwood Reflects on How ‘American Idol’ Changed Her Life

Underwood joins the judges’ table for season 23 of “American Idol” — and it turns out it’s a bit different to be on that side of the action.

In a February 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Underwood admitted, “It’s such a difference when you’re sitting at home from your couch watching it. You’re like, ‘What? That person was great!’ Or, ‘Oh my gosh, that person was terrible. I can’t believe they sent them through.'”

The country star said it’s not easy when you’re seated in front of hopeful singers. “You think you can talk a lot of smack at home and it’s so easy to sit up here in this chair, and it’s not,” she explained. “These are people’s dreams and feelings and hopes.”

“Idol” showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick shared why Underwood is such a perfect choice for the role. “Win or lose, this show will change your life, and Carrie is the ultimate testament to that,” Wolflick shared.

The EP added, “I think she’s getting confidence in being a judge at the same time that she’s giving hopefuls confidence in their journey. So it’s actually going to be a beautiful season to watch Carrie and the hopefuls evolve, and that’s something we’ve never had before.”

Carrie Underwood Found Her Groove as an ‘Idol’ Judge

Even though she’s an “American Idol” champ, Underwood had a learning curve in her role as a judge. That included rewatching past episodes and connecting with the crew members from her season of the show.

There was some on-the-job learning as well, according to fellow judge Luke Bryan. “Her first day, she was kind of checking out the environment,” Bryan said. “Then there was one moment I told a kid [to] sing another song and the kid actually did something good, and Carrie’s like, ‘I didn’t know we could just tell him what we wanted them to do!'”

He added, “When I think about all she was processing and all the things she was taking in and trying to learn … it’s a lot. Lionel and I, our first day on this job, we kind of learned together.”