"I was nervous" — Carrie Underwood makes her feelings known about joining American Idol as a judge

Country music icon Carrie Underwood has returned to the show that started her career, American Idol, twenty years after she won Season 4—this time as a judge.

The adjustment wasn't as smooth as fans would have thought, even if she was familiar with the competition. Underwood recently talked openly about her early reluctance to accept the position in an interview with Katie Neal on the "Superstar Power Hour" podcast in March 2025.

"I was nervous coming in because it's a different ballgame, you know. And sitting on the other side of the table, more than anything, I want to help all of these people coming through, and help them become better performers and live their dreams," she revealed.

For Season 23 of the long-running singing competition American Idol, which continues to find America's next musical sensation through nationwide auditions, Hollywood Week challenges, and live performance rounds where viewers vote for their favorites, the eight-time Grammy winner joined seasoned judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

Carrie Underwood’s journey from American Idol winner to judge

Underwood's American Idol adventure started in 2005 when she tried out as a farm child from Checotah, Oklahoma. Her powerful voice and authentic country sound quickly made her a front-runner, ultimately helping her win and launch one of the most successful careers in country music history.

She now completes the cycle of that encounter twenty years later. Although it doesn't always make judging any simpler, this distinct viewpoint offers her a unique perspective on the travels of the participants.

"So I want to be constructive and tell them things they can work on, but then you're like, am I coming across mean, or like how is it gonna turn out," Underwood explained during the podcast interview.

Her care for striking a balance between kind words and helpful criticism demonstrates the consideration she brings to her new position.

For someone with Underwood's warm personality, delivering disappointing news proved particularly difficult.

"It's been difficult at times telling people no, because I do feel like I'm a people pleaser," she admitted.

Elaborating:

"I just want everybody to do good and be happy... but you can't operate like that."

This struggle between her natural inclination to encourage and American Idol's format requiring elimination decisions represents one of her biggest adjustments. However, Underwood acknowledges the necessity of these tough moments.

"We have to make some tough decisions," she noted, recognizing that the competition aspect remains central to "American Idol's" premise.

Even though she was a superstar, Underwood didn't hesitate to pick up tips from judges who had been on the show for a few seasons.

In a March 5 "Good Morning America" interview, Luke Bryan revealed he shared an important judging technique with her.

"Early in the tapings, Carrie didn't know that you could start telling the contestants what to sing," Bryan explained.

This simple tip—suggesting specific songs to showcase a contestant's voice—became a valuable tool for Underwood.

Bryan elaborated:

"I was like, 'Sing 'Happy Birthday,' sing this,' and Carrie's like, 'We can do that?'"

The country star described how this approach helps judges champion contestants they see particular potential in, even when other judges might not initially recognize it.

Carrie Underwood on finding her judging style

As the season progressed, Underwood developed more confidence in her judging approach.

"There's so much talent. It's kind of insane how gifted some of these people are," she shared, expressing genuine amazement at the caliber of performers auditioning.

Her initial nervousness has evolved into excitement about contributing to the contestants' development.

"I'm really happy getting to watch the first little bits of it," she said, referring to the aired episodes showing her early days as a judge.

American Idol viewers have responded positively to Underwood's thoughtful feedback, technical vocal knowledge, and empathetic approach—qualities that stem directly from her own experience in the contestants' position.

Underwood's unique position as a former winner informing her judging philosophy creates a compelling narrative for the show's current season.

Her experience navigating the pressures of live performances, handling criticism, and building a sustainable career gives weight to her feedback. When she offers suggestions, contestants know the advice comes from someone who successfully walked the path they're beginning.

In addition to helping current aspirants, this full-circle point in Underwood's career gives devoted viewers a significant link to the program's past. Having former contestants return as judges and mentors helps American Idol preserve its legacy while keeping the formula novel as it develops further.

Underwood's transformation from anxious competitor to first anxious judge is just one more accomplishment in her incredible career, demonstrating that even celebrities can develop by taking on new challenges.

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American Idol Season 21 premiered on March 9 in the US, with new episodes airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.