See a Side-by-Side Clip of Carrie Underwood Going from Winning Contest to Judge onAmerican Idol(Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Carrie Underwoodis having an emotional, full-circle moment.

In a clippremiering exclusively with PEOPLEon Wednesday, Dec. 18, the country superstar takes in the moment as she arrives at the judges' table onAmerican Idol— 20 years after winning the show herself.

In the opening of the clip, a 21-year-old Underwood is sitting in the waiting room before her audition. Then, the video flashes to Underwood, now 41, walking inside the audition room as a judge.

In the flashback, Underwood is wearing her audition number, a pink top and jeans when someone asks if she’s nervous — to which she responds “a little bit.”

Then, an emotional Underwood walks into the current audition room and pulls out her chair at the judges' table. A flashback clip then shows her sweet reaction to finding out she’s “going to Hollywood.”

Carrie Underwood in New York City in November 2023.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

“I can’t believe it. Twenty years ago I was standing on a stage just like this one,” the “Before He Cheats” singer says.

“And now you’re sitting here with us,” Richie, 75, responds, before Bryan, 48, adds, “that’s the power ofAmerican Idol.”

HostRyan Seacrestthen walks up to the table and asks the judges, “So, let’s change some lives together?”

“Let’s do this,” Underwood — who won the fourth season ofIdolback in 2005 — says with a smile.

The end of the video shows a sneak peek of this season’s emotional auditions, where a young woman tells Underwood that she’s her “inspiration.”

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest.Mike Coppola/Getty

Mike Coppola/Getty

Season 23 ofAmerican Idolwill premiere on Sunday, March 9 on ABC.

The “Cowboy Casanova” singer was announced asKaty Perry’s replacement on the reality singing showonGood Morning Americaon Aug. 1.

The announcement included a sweet video with footage of Underwood heading from her hometown in Checotah, Oklahoma to audition for the show two decades ago.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she added.

Meanwhile, in August, Bryanshared a piece of advicefor the new judge during an interview with Seattle radio hostGabe Mercer.

“Maybe I should credit her,” he added. “Do therapists do gift cards where I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher?”

source: people.com