Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol is shaping up to be an emotional and unforgettable experience.
A newly released trailer for season 23, revealed on Thursday, February 13, teases a deeply moving moment when a contestant’s story tugs at Underwood’s heartstrings.
During an audition, the 41-year-old country superstar asks, “Tell us a little about your family.” The hopeful singer then shares his touching backstory, revealing that his grandparents raised him “from the moment that I turned 2.”
As the contestant’s family joins him in the audition room, emotions run high among the judges. “She put everything that she had in me all of those years,” he says while embracing his grandmother. The heartfelt exchange brings Underwood to tears.
“You OK over there?” fellow judge Luke Bryan asks, noticing her emotional reaction. Underwood, overwhelmed, shakes her head as Lionel Richie and Bryan offer her a comforting hug. “I’m not,” she tearfully admits.
A Journey of Dreams and Talent
The contestant’s raw authenticity and musical ability appear to captivate the judges. As the trailer progresses, the panel delivers the exciting news: “You’re going to Hollywood!”
Additional clips in the teaser showcase more aspiring singers hoping to impress the star-studded panel on ABC’s long-running competition series. At the end of the preview, Underwood reflects on the significance of the show, saying, “This show is for people that have the talent, have the dream, and they just need a chance.”
A Full-Circle Moment for Underwood
Season 23 marks Underwood’s debut as a judge on American Idol, a milestone that comes nearly 20 years after she won season 4 in 2005. Her appointment to the panel was officially announced in August 2024, as she steps into the role previously held by Katy Perry.
“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 about Underwood’s casting. “She is our queen, she is our icon of American Idol.”
Excitement From the American Idol Family
Wolflick also shared that longtime host Ryan Seacrest was especially thrilled about Underwood’s return. “He couldn’t be more excited.
He’s been there every step of the way with Carrie,” she said. “He was just over the moon about it. And the guys are so excited too. I mean, obviously, they both know her, and they’re excited to work with her.”
Underwood on Her Judging Style
When asked about how she plans to approach her role as a judge, Underwood discussed her perspective in an August 2024 interview with radio host Buzz Brainard.
“I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind,” she explained. “And I think that’s the whole point because people are coming in, and it’s their dreams. You’re part of somebody’s story from that moment on.”
Looking Back on Her American Idol Journey
Earlier this month, Underwood reflected on her journey from contestant to judge, sharing a nostalgic post on Instagram.
“‘Then’ as a contestant vs. ‘Now’ as a judge 20 years later!” she captioned a side-by-side comparison of her original American Idol audition and her new role as a judge. “Counting down the days as we’re one month away from the March 9 season premiere of @americanidol on @abc and streaming on @hulu! #CUonIDOL.”
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
Season 23 of American Idol is set to premiere on ABC on Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET.
