Carrie Underwood is giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come on American Idol.
“Spoiler alert…I get booed A LOT from our Hollywood Week audience @AmericanIdol,” Underwood, 42, wrote via X on Monday, February 16, alongside an embarrassed emoji.
Underwood did not elaborate further on why she received that reaction from the crowd.
The country singer rose to stardom after winning season 4 of American Idol in 2005 before returning to the show in season 23 as a judge and replacing 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 Entertainment Tonight in 2024, after Underwood’s role was announced. “She is our queen, she is our icon of American Idol.”
Underwood has since remained in her role alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. During an episode of the reality singing competition earlier this month, Underwood listened to contestant Hannah Harper performing her track “String Cheese” — which she said was a reflection of her experience with postpartum depression.
Harper explained that the song originated from a moment with one of her children. “I was sitting on my couch wallowing … and you have boys, you know, everybody wants to touch you,” she said. “I didn’t want to be touched. I was just having a pity party, praying that the Lord would calm my spirit.”
Harper continued, “My son kept coming up to me, ‘Mom, open this. Mom, open my cheese.’ I’m like, ‘Leave me alone with the dadgum cheese.’”
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 […]
Harper noted that when she opened her son’s string cheese she felt maternal responsibility. “I realized that God had put me in that place,” she said. “That where I was in my house was the biggest ministry that I could ever have.”
Underwood — who shares sons Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 7, with husband Mike Fisher — noted that the song resonated with her.
“That’s about the most relatable song I think I’ve ever heard,” Underwood said. “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors.”
She continued, “You’re one that I’m going to think about when we leave here. I’m going to be rooting for you. I loved everything about everything you just did.”
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Carrie Underwood plans to bring her unique musical insight — and country flare — to the table as the newest American Idol judge. “I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind,” Underwood, 41, told radio personality Buzz Brainard on Friday, August 23, of her goal as a judge. “And […]
This season, American Idol is introducing a new ‘Ohana Round filmed in Hawai’i. The three episodes are set to follow “the iconic Hollywood Week, with the brand-new ’Ohana Round featured as one of those episodes, offering hopefuls a distinct moment in the competition,” a press release noted.
“Designed as the ultimate focus group, the ’Ohana Round blends peer respect, emotional support and professional insight before the competition moves on to America’s Vote,” the release shared.
In the new round, the top 30 contestants are slated to perform for industry stars including social media’s Kaniyia Brown & Terry McCaskill, artist and music creator Anthony Gargiula, singer and actress Loren Gray, coeditor in chief of Rolling Stone Shirley Halperin, writer Evan Ross Katz, singer Cheryl Porter and country music personality Kelly Sutton. Only 20 contestants will advance at the end of the ‘Ohana Round.
