Carrie Underwood shares her thoughts on returning for a second season on Idol

Carrie returns to the Idol stage

Twenty years after her unforgettable win, Carrie Underwood is back on American Idol. This time, she sits on the other side of the table, helping new contestants find their voices and guiding them through the highs and lows of the competition.

Her presence as a judge brings credibility and insight. She has experienced all the nerves, excitement, and unexpected surprises contestants face, making her feedback both meaningful and relatable. Fans love seeing her share advice grounded in real experience.

Her audition changed everything

Carrie first auditioned with Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” stunning the judges with her emotional and controlled performance. That single audition earned her a ticket to Hollywood Week, setting her on the path to superstardom.

Simon Cowell predicted she would win the competition and later said she was likely to outsell previous American Idol winners, a prediction that has proved accurate over time.

A superstar’s achievements

Over the past two decades, Carrie Underwood has built a remarkable career. She has won 8 Grammy Awards, multiple Country Music Association Awards, and has become a household name in music, respected for both her vocals and her stage presence.

Carrie Underwood has more than 95 million RIAA-certified units in the United States, including approximately 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles, according to RIAA certifications.

Her albums and singles dominate charts, and she has performed in sold-out arenas across the globe. Her career is proof of dedication, skill, and authenticity, making her one of the most celebrated artists to ever emerge from American Idol.

Confidence in her second season

Returning as a judge for Season 24, Carrie feels more self-assured than before. She knows how to balance tough critiques with encouragement, helping contestants learn while keeping the energy positive and inspiring.

She says last season helped her understand her voice as a judge. Being on set allows her to share personal stories, give practical advice, and connect deeply with contestants, making her presence both impactful and enjoyable for viewers and singers alike.

Hollywood week in Nashville

This season’s Hollywood Week was held in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of the show’s Music City Takeover format that brought auditions and industry showcases to Belmont University.

She appreciates being able to manage long filming days without completely disrupting family life. Contestants also benefit, performing in a city rich in music history, surrounded by professionals and mentors, giving them a taste of a real artist’s journey in one of America’s most famous music hubs.

Balancing family and career

Carrie and her husband Mike Fisher are parents to two sons, Isaiah Michael and Jacob Bryan, and she has said that balancing family time with work is a priority. She explains her work commitments to them while ensuring they feel loved and supported throughout.

She shares candidly about long days filled with auditions, critiques, and performances, and how she returns home to normal family life. Fans admire her ability to maintain both a successful music career and a devoted presence in her children’s lives.

Revisiting her own audition moment

During Season 24, a contestant sang the same Bonnie Raitt song Carrie once performed. She joined in with her own updated version, creating a powerful, emotional moment for the room.

This moment allowed Carrie to reflect on her journey and relive her beginnings. It also reminded contestants that even the biggest stars start small, reinforcing the message that dedication, persistence, and passion can turn early dreams into lasting achievements in music.

Mentorship from experience

Carrie focuses on mentoring contestants, using her own journey as a guide. She shares insights about stage presence, vocal technique, and connecting with an audience, helping singers develop confidence.

Her advice goes beyond music, touching on perseverance, handling nerves, and staying authentic. By combining technical guidance with encouragement, Carrie empowers contestants to grow both as performers and as individuals, making her mentorship a vital part of the show’s appeal.

Energy that inspires contestants

Carrie’s presence on set energizes both the contestants and the production team. She knows how to keep the atmosphere lively while delivering constructive feedback that helps singers improve.

Her enthusiasm motivates contestants to perform at their best. By modeling excitement and passion for music, Carrie fosters a creative, supportive environment that helps participants thrive while keeping viewers engaged by the show’s dynamic, unpredictable energy.

Sharing behind the scenes moments

Carrie often posts glimpses of the show on social media, from auditions to candid rehearsal moments. Fans enjoy seeing the human side of the competition and the personalities of contestants.

These posts make viewers feel part of the process. They highlight the hard work, humor, and small victories that happen off stage, showing that even a high-stakes competition is filled with relatable, human moments everyone can appreciate.

Finding joy in the journey

Carrie says the most rewarding part of judging is watching talent develop. Every audition brings surprises and unique voices that inspire her to stay engaged and passionate.

She enjoys guiding contestants as they grow, helping them gain confidence and learn about themselves. The experience is both challenging and fulfilling, giving Carrie a sense of purpose while celebrating music and creativity on a national stage.

Her impact goes beyond music, too, as seen in the attention she drew for Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Look.

Tune in for unforgettable moments

Season 24 premiered on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8/7c on ABC. Episodes are also available to stream on Hulu for those who want to catch up anytime.

With Carrie’s guidance and inspiring new contestants, the season promises unforgettable performances. Viewers can expect heartfelt stories, impressive talent, and exciting surprises, making this one of the most compelling American Idol seasons in years.

Carrie’s journey doesn’t stop with Idol, and her Vegas Magic era is another moment longtime fans still enjoy revisiting.

Which Carrie moment on American Idol excites you the most: her performances, her mentoring, or her comeback as a judge? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

Read More From This Brand:

• Carrie Underwood: Pro Backstage Tips & Routine
• Carrie Underwood defends bold American Idol judging
• The Idol Who Became Iconic Carrie Underwood