"I don't want to be put in that position again": Carrie Underwood opens up about tough choices on American Idol

It was a rough night for Carrie Underwood on American Idol. Sitting behind the judges' desk, Underwood found herself making decisions she didn't want to make. Even with her experience on the show years ago, being on the other side came with its own nerves.

“My night was not as bad in comparison to the contestants who are no longer the part of competition but it is an extremely tough spot to be in."

Carrie shared,

“I don't want to be put in that position again."

She admitted that if she had her way, she would have handed off the tough calls.

“I really just wanted to pass it to Luke and Lionel. I was like can you just make the decision. But I feel like we were on the same page."

It’s clear that even seasoned pros feel the pressure on American Idol when real dreams are at stake.

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Carrie Underwood reflects on the pressures of judging on

American Idol

Facing her first live show as a mentor on American Idol, Carrie Underwood opened up about the emotional toll it took. When asked if being behind the desk was easier or harder than competing, Carrie didn't sugarcoat it. She added,

“I mean pros and cons to both. It's nerves everywhere but it's a different kind of nerves because at the end of the day, you know, I am still here,”

Her words showed how deeply she understands the gravity of her role.

Carrie was quick to stress the importance of the audience stepping up to vote. She mentioned,

“I don't take it lightly that we have people's futures in our hands and I really would like America to just vote. I don't want to be put in that position again. So it's up to you guys you have to vote your favourite please.”

The message was clear: on American Idol, every vote counts.

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Carrie jokes about a Backstreet Boys dilemma on

American Idol

Deciding who moves forward on American Idol isn't just nerve-wracking; it’s also a little awkward when you know the families involved. Carrie addressed the moment when she had to make a call about Bailey, the son of Backstreet Boy Bryan Littrell. She said,

“Don't think it didn't cross my mind. No, Bryan is wonderful and I had the chance to speak with him numerous times over the years and Bailey is so good.”

She explained how the judges tried to weigh what the audience would want to see. Underwood explained,

“It was one of those things that we tried to think of you know what people want to see like the talent is insane and somebody's gotta be written off. We have always been a Bailey fan since the day before we met him.”

The ties run deep on American Idol, but tough decisions are part of the job.

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Carrie welcomes another Idol winner to the American Idol stage

Next week on American Idol, the stage will welcome another big name. Fantasia Barrino is stepping in as a guest mentor, and Carrie couldn’t be more excited. Carrie continued,

“I think it's amazing you know, we've been there we have done that and Fantasia is incredibly talented and I know she's gonna have a lot of wisdom to part.”

Having two American Idol winners guiding the contestants is bound to make next week's episode even more special. It’s a full-circle moment for Carrie, who knows better than anyone what standing on that stage feels like.

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As Carrie Underwood wraps up her first live mentoring experience on American Idol, it's clear she’s taking every moment to heart. From the tough decisions to the fun nights singing along with the audience, her journey has been packed with emotion.

And while she’s eager to leave the hard calls to the voters from now on, her time on American Idol has added another rich chapter to her already stellar career. As Carrie put it best herself,

“I really would like America to just vote. I don't want to be put in that position again.”

Fans can look forward to seeing Carrie, Fantasia, and the remaining contestants keep the spirit of American Idol alive and well.