ABC’s American Idol kicked off a new season on Sunday, and fans were greeted by a familiar presence on the judging panel: Carrie Underwood.
Back in Season 4, Underwood was a 22-year-old from Muskogee, Oklahoma, stepping into the spotlight for her audition.
That season, she captivated the audience and judges alike, eventually claiming victory over Bo Bice and kickstarting her stellar music career.
Fast forward two decades, and Underwood has amassed eight Grammy Awards and sold 85 million records, establishing herself as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Returning to her roots, she took her place alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the American Idol judges panel, stepping in for Katy Perry.
Fans were thrilled to see Underwood back on the renowned reality series, with many expressing their excitement over her return to the show that launched her career.
ABC’s American Idol returned for a brand new season on Sunday, with a very familiar face behind the judge’s table: Carrie Underwood .
She returned home to the American Idol judges table, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie , replacing Katy Perry
Sunday’s two-hour premiere featured auditions in Underwood’s home of Nashville and also Los Angeles.
At one point during the auditions, Underwood insisted to her fellow judges that she was not a crier, though Luke Bryan revealed he felt the same way.
‘I thought I wasn’t a crier, eight years ago when we started this, but this show will turn you into a crier,’ Bryan admitted.
Underwood ultimately proved herself wrong in the next audition from Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old, who brought her husband Austin and their son Emerson.
Underwood held their son throughout her audition, where she sang Underwood’s own song, Jesus Take the Wheel, which drove her to tears.
She also impressed the judges with her vast knowledge of a variety of different music, knowing the lyrics to seemingly ever song, regardless of genre.
During one of the show’s rare heavy metal auditions, from a young Florida dubbed Insite, she even took to the stage and sang the 2001 Drowning Pool song Bodies.
While Underwood quickly won over the judges, she seemingly won over legions of fans as well in the premiere.
Sunday’s two-hour premiere featured auditions in Underwood’s home of Nashville and also Los Angeles
Underwood ultimately proved herself wrong in the next audition from Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old, who brought her husband Austin and their son Emerson
Molly Vegas (@MollyVegas) replied to one of Underwood’s tweets, stating, ‘Carrie, you are a natural at this. You did such a great job. Hope you’re here for at least a few seasons. @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol There are so many great contestants this year!!! #CUonIDOL
Devin Wolfe (@dwolfe350) said, ‘Watching @carrieunderwood as a judge on @AmericanIdol is so special for me… thank you for 20 years of comfort, Carrie.’
Tim J (@SelenatorSwifty) said, ‘Such a powerful first episode of #AmericanIdol @carrieunderwood You were simply AMAZING!!! Welcome home! @LionelRichie @lukebryan ❤️you guys!!’
James Denton (@JamesMDenton) said, ‘That was the best episode of American Idol I have seen in a long time. Welcome @carrieunderwood.’
Keith (@kmcorder) offered some, ‘@carrieunderwood new judge ratings after tonights 2-week premiere- Likability 10/10 Been there done that 10/10 Good with kids 10/10 Street cred 9/10 Style 10/10 Real emotion shared 9/10 Tough advice 8/10 KORN song 100/10.’
Meg (@MeganMae012) added, ‘Carrie Underwood rocked it as American Idol judge tonight! Loved her energy and insight she brings to the show. Can’t wait to see more of her on Idol this season!’
Lizzy MacDonald (@Lizzard899) added, ‘Jukebox Carrie Underwood is way better than Katy Perry sorry not sorry.’
Blake Taylor (@blaketaylor1112) added simply and succinctly, ‘I love Carrie Underwood on American Idol!’
Molly Vegas (@MollyVegas) replied to one of Underwood’s tweets, stating, ‘Carrie, you are a natural at this. You did such a great job. Hope you’re here for at least a few seasons. @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol There are so many great contestants this year!!! #CUonIDOL
James Denton (@JamesMDenton) said, ‘That was the best episode of American Idol I have seen in a long time. Welcome @carrieunderwood.’
Keith (@kmcorder) offered some, ‘@carrieunderwood new judge ratings after tonights 2-week premiere- Likability 10/10 Been there done that 10/10 Good with kids 10/10 Street cred 9/10 Style 10/10 Real emotion shared 9/10 Tough advice 8/10 KORN song 100/10’
Meg (@MeganMae012) added, ‘Carrie Underwood rocked it as American Idol judge tonight! Loved her energy and insight she brings to the show. Can’t wait to see more of her on Idol this season!’
Lizzy MacDonald (@Lizzard899) added, ‘Jukebox Carrie Underwood is way better than Katy Perry sorry not sorry.’
Blake Taylor (@blaketaylor1112) added simply and succinctly, ‘I love Carrie Underwood on American Idol!’
Correct RTV Options (@CorrectRTV_Opin) said, ‘Carrie is the best addition to the show since the new era. And I said that with my chest.’
Sara Kohls (@sara_kohls) said, ‘Starting to watch @AmericanIdol) after yrs. of not watching. All because @carrieunderwood is a judge. Besides, @LukeBryan & @LionelRichie. Looks like a good season this yr.’
Alexander (@aallexx101) said, ‘The return of American Idol! Looking forward to seeing the talent in this season and Carrie Underwood as the new judge. Full circle moment!’
Bobby (@RCMorris) said, ‘2 seconds in and I’m already emoitional.’
Correct RTV Options (@CorrectRTV_Opin) said, ‘Carrie is the best addition to the show since the new era. And I said that with my chest.’
Occam Was Right (@OccamWasRight) said, ‘Jukebox Carrie is one of the greatest American Idol judges ever!’
Correct RTV Options (@CorrectRTV_Opin) said, ‘Carrie is the best addition to the show since the new era. And I said that with my chest.’
