Luke Bryan Shares theAmerican IdolAudition Trick Carrie Underwood ‘Didn’t Know’ She Could Do

Mar. 15, 2025

Luke BryantaughtCarrie Underwooda thing or two onAmerican Idol.

“Early in the tapings, Carrie didn’t know that you could start telling the contestants what to sing,” said Bryan. “I was like, ‘Sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ sing this,’ and Carrie’s like, ‘We can do that?’ So the fun part about that is when you really see something magical in a kid and the other two judges may not, but you can really take ownership of this one particular contestant.”

The “Knockin' Boots” singer noted that Underwood had “already done some of that this year.”

Luke Bryan in November 2024; Carrie Underwood in April 2023.Getty(2)

Getty(2)

“And Lionel and I have done that in years past, so it’s really fun when you can feel a connection with a kid and start really kind of cheering them on and doing things in your mind that you think will help them navigate the thing,” added Bryan. “So it’s been really fun watching her learn stuff like that and we’re just having a blast with the talent. It’s really awesome this year.”

“It doesn’t feel like it, but it’s really cool to be on the other side of things,” she said. “And hopefully we can impart some knowledge and help some people make their dreams come true. To get to play music and sing is wonderful, and we get to help somebody or many other people, hopefully, achieve that. It’s amazing.”

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Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest attend the “American Idol” Season 8 Judges Photo Call in October 2024 in New York City.Mike Coppola/Getty

Mike Coppola/Getty

Season 23 of the singing competition show marks a homecoming for Underwood, who’s the show’s newest addition.

She won season 4 of the show two decades ago — and she’s the first alum to make her way to the judge’s table.

Underwood will take over forKaty Perry, who in February 2024 revealed that season 22would be her lastso that she could focus on new music and a new tour.

The new season ofAmerican Idolpremieres Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

source: people.com