"I have a target on my back" - Carrie Underwood reflects on her American Idol experience 20 years later

It has been two decades since Carrie Underwood first appeared on the American Idol stage. However, this time, she has returned on the other side, as a judge instead of a contestant.

In recent episodes, the contestants have been shortlisted to the Top 14 and are awaiting their performance for the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Carrie, who has been through the process herself, remembers her time in the Top 12, and Simon Cowell was on the judging panel.

At that time, Carrie had decided to step out of her comfort zone and sing "Alone by Heart." Simon, who does not compliment anyone that easily, loved her performance and predicted that she would win the season and go on to sell many records.

Even though Carrie had appreciated the words, she was afraid that this might put a "target" on her back. Talking about the same on an American Idol Instagram video, she said,

"What an incredible prediction — from me, you know, thinking ‘I’m gonna sing this song, oh my gosh, you know, they’re probably gonna hate it, but I’m gonna do it anyway,’ and then to get that reaction. At the time, I thought, ‘This is amazing,’ and then about five seconds later, I thought, ‘I have a target on my back.

She added,

Now everybody’s gonna hate me.’ Just because that’s such a bold tip, you told me I was going to win the show. I remember thinking people might not like me after that, and being really nervous.”

American Idol Judge Simon Cowell had predicted that Carrie would win her season

Carrie Underwood appeared as a contestant on American Idol 20 years ago when Simon Cowell was on the judging panel. During the Rock and Roll week, Carrie had decided to perform Alone by Heart even though her specialization is in country music.

Stepping out of her comfort zone was the best decision she made for her career because the judges were very impressed by her skills. Randy Jackson told her that it was the best, and Paula was proud of her for taking risks. The biggest appreciation came from American Idol judge Simon Cowell during her time who said,

"You know, you’re not just the girl to beat. You’re the person to beat. I will make a prediction. Not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol.”

Through the video and her reminiscing about her old American Idol days, Carrie wants the current contestants to understand how important the song choices can prove to be when it comes to a theme that they have to perform.

Carrie recalled that she was trying to play it safe before with her country song choices, and even though everyone asked her to do something new, she didn't.

But when the Rock and Roll week came around, she wanted to do a new genre and even wrote about it in her journal at the time, thinking that the judges would hate it. But nothing of the sort happened, and this performance pushed her on to become the winner later in the season.

Trending

American Idol season 23 episodes can be watched weekly on Sundays and Mondays at 8 PM Eastern Time on ABC. Later, the episodes are available to stream via Hulu.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback