Carrie Underwood captivated audiences at the beginning of Monday’s American Idol episode by stepping out in a nostalgic dress from 20 years ago.
The 42-year-old songstress, who claimed victory over Bo Bice nearly two decades ago in late May 2005, brought a touch of that memorable night to the latest episode.
As host Ryan Seacrest remarked on the familiarity of her attire, Underwood confirmed it was indeed the orange dress she donned during the Season 4 finale.
‘Yes, this is my finale dress. Yes. The old girl’s held up pretty good,’ Underwood shared with the audience as the episode kicked off.
The surprise was not lost on the fans, who, like Seacrest, were equally amazed, sparking a flurry of reactions on social media.
Twitter user Franky (@RKOBlackSwan) expressed enthusiasm, tweeting, ‘OMG. The judges are coming out to Inside Your Heaven and she’s wearing the same dress as when she won. Hot!’
Carrie Underwood stunned fans at the start of Monday’s new episode of American Idol by donning a familiar dress from two decades ago.
The 42-year-old singer emerged victorious over Bo Bice almost exactly 20 years ago in late May 2005, with Underwood bringing a piece of that episode to Monday’s new episode.
When host Ryan Seacrest mentioned that her outfit looked familiar, she confirmed that it was in fact the same orange dress she wore in the Season 4 finale
Abbey Jones (@AbbeyJones11) simply tweeted, ‘Carrie’s dress!!!!!,’ recognizing the orange dress from two decades earlier.
Molly (@MollyVegas) shared an image from the Season 4 finale 20 years ago, adding, ‘@carrieunderwood IS WEARING THE DRESS!!! #AmericanIdol.’
Kelly (@KellyHart278) @carrieunderwood is wearing the dress she was wearing when she won @AmericanIdol she is my favorite American Idol winner.’
Sara Jackson (@AFanOfTheDbacks) added, ‘Carrie underwood is wearing the same dress as she did when she won American idol. #AmericanIdol
Charly (@charlyy_brownn) simply tweeted, ‘THE DRESS #AmericanIdol.’
Another X user dubbed @CarrieShaniaFan said, ‘@carrieunderwood topping the Axl outfit last night! Her OG Idol Finale dress. Only the Queen can do that.’
Catherine (@CatherineAshwo5) asked, ‘Can someone please tell me where they got Carrie Underwood dress from 2005 that she wore tonight on American Idol. I NEED it!’
After the introductions were made, the Top 12 performers all tried to re-create iconic Idol moments, singing songs that past competitors had performed in the past.
Abbey Jones (@AbbeyJones11) simply tweeted, ‘Carrie’s dress!!!!!,’ recognizing the orange dress from two decades earlier.
Molly (@MollyVegas) shared an image from the Season 4 finale 20 years ago, adding, ‘@carrieunderwood IS WEARING THE DRESS!!! #AmericanIdol.’
Kelly (@KellyHart278) @carrieunderwood is wearing the dress she was wearing when she won @AmericanIdol she is my favorite American Idol winner’
Another X user dubbed @CarrieShaniaFan said, ‘@carrieunderwood topping the Axl outfit last night! Her OG Idol Finale dress. Only the Queen can do that.’
The Top 12 – Slater Nalley, Che, Thunderstorm Artis, Kolbi Jordan, Filo, Mattie Pruitt, Canaan James Hill, Gabby Simone, Josh King, Breanna Nix, John Foster and Jamal Roberts – all performed, as the fans voted throughout the two-hour episode.
Two performers would be sent home to round out the top 10, though many were stunned when two fan favorites were sent home – Platinum Ticket winner Filo and Che.
Many fans also complained – like many have all season – that the judges have been too positive, praising the singers even for sub-par performances.
Some even tried lobbying for original judge Simon Cowell to return with his bluntly honest critiques of singers.
Fans like Nicole (@QueenNothing303) couldn’t believe Filo was sent home, tweeting, ‘WHAT?!?!?!? FILO, NO! #AmericanIdol.’
The 4th Wall Insider (@4thwallinsider) added, ‘Josh staying over Filo is insane #AmericanIdol, after Josh tugged at many heartstrings for talking about his loneliness.
Ava (@HelloAva) specifically called out Josh King and Mattie Pruitt voters, stating, ‘Please stop. Other contestants are being eliminated that far exceed them in vocal availability and stage presence They made it to top 10 – now enough.’
Rainbow Peppers (@retrowater0) added, ‘Che and filo shouldn’t have been voted off #americanidol
Two performers would be sent home to round out the top 10, though many were stunned when two fan favorites were sent home – Platinum Ticket winner Filo (right) and Che (left).
Fans like Nicole (@QueenNothing303) couldn’t believe Filo was sent home, tweeting, ‘WHAT?!?!?!? FILO, NO! #AmericanIdol’
Rainbow Peppers (@retrowater0) added, ‘Che and filo shouldn’t have been voted off #americanidol
Another X user (@everybodyonmute) said, ‘at first, they eliminated Amanda Barise, NOW THEY ELIMINATED CHE AND FILO????????????? WHAT’S HAPPENINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG #AmericanIdol.’
Ethan (@dale7734) said, ‘@AmericanIdol better listen to the fans. Maybe America isn’t always right. #bringbackfilo #americanidol.’
Kristin Ashlea (@itsKristinAsh) said, ‘where’s the petition to bring Filo back? cause are we sure those votes were read right? it’s a joke, right? he didn’t really get voted off though? it’s another Daughtry incident right?? #AmericanIdol.
The Top 10 return to perform on Sunday night’s episode of American Idol on Sunday, May 4, with Miranda Lambert announced as the new mentor.
