It’s official—American Idol season 23 is shaping up to be one emotional rollercoaster, and new judge Carrie Underwood is already feeling all the feels. In a brand-new trailer released just ahead of the show’s premiere, the "Blown Away" singer couldn’t help but break down in tears after hearing a contestant’s deeply personal story. And let me tell you, it’s moments like these that remind us why we love this show so much.
A Glimpse into the New Season
The trailer, which dropped on YouTube on February 13, gives fans an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming up this season. Among the many talented hopefuls auditioning for the reality competition series, one particular contestant hit Carrie right in the feels. Sitting alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Carrie found herself moved by the contestant's emotional backstory.
Carrie's Emotional Reaction
“Tell us a little about your family,” Carrie gently asked the contestant as she leaned in to learn more about the singer's journey. Sitting beside her at the judges’ table were Lionel and Luke, who were equally engaged in the story. The contestant shared that his grandparents had been his primary caregivers since the age of two. “She put everything she had into me all these years,” he tearfully explained, pointing to his grandmother, who joined him in the audition room and embraced him tightly.
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As the contestant's words resonated deeply, the camera cut to Carrie, who was visibly moved. Wiping a tear from her eye, she quickly grabbed a tissue to dab her nose as the tears kept flowing. Noticing her emotional state, Luke Bryan, ever the supportive co-judge, placed a comforting arm around her. “You OK over there?” Luke asked with genuine concern. Carrie, still overcome with emotion, simply replied, “I’m not.”
A Moment of Celebration
Despite the emotional moment, the judges quickly rallied to deliver some fantastic news to the contestant. “You need to be heard,” Lionel Richie declared, his voice filled with admiration for the singer’s talent. The three judges then announced in unison, “You’re going to Hollywood!” The contestant, overwhelmed with joy, couldn’t contain his excitement. Fans watching the trailer couldn’t wait to hear his full audition and learn more about his incredible journey.
Throughout the trailer, other contestants expressed their dreams and aspirations, revealing their determination to become the next American Idol winner. “I’ve wanted this since I was a little kid,” one hopeful singer said, while another declared, “I’m ready for my life to change.” The montage of emotional moments showed several contestants celebrating with their families after receiving their golden tickets to Hollywood.
Carrie's Return to American Idol
This marks Carrie’s first season as a judge on American Idol, exactly two decades after she won the show’s fourth season. Fans were thrilled when Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the very first season, voiced her excitement about Carrie joining the panel alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, following Katy Perry’s departure. “I think that’s brilliant,” Kelly told E! News in September 2024. “What better person to have—somebody that’s won that show to come back?”
Kelly emphasized the invaluable advice Carrie can offer to the contestants. “To have somebody to look at and go, ‘OK, they’ve done it and they’re sitting right there. So, that means I am capable of doing it. I can dream that big,’” she said. It’s clear that Carrie brings not just her musical expertise but also a relatable perspective that can inspire the next generation of singers.
American Idol season 23 premieres on Sunday, March 9, on ABC at 8 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu. A special preview of the season will air on Sunday, March 2, following the 97th Academy Awards.
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