Many American Idol alumni have appeared on the show as mentors or performers over the years, but when the show returns Sunday night on ABC, Carrie Underwood will make history as the first Idol winner to become a judge, giving her a unique perspective on how the contestants are feeling.
“I hope I can bring a different perspective to this show,” she says. “I know what it’s like to be there.”
As she says, “I know what they’re going through, and I know what it’s like to be standing up there thinking, ‘What song am I supposed to be singing?'” I don’t know. And having judges remark, ‘That just wasn’t the proper song for you. And you say, ‘I don’t know what that means!'”
Ryan Seacrest, who named Carrie champion in 2005, tells ABC Audio, “It’s like being at home with Carrie. She’s been a natural behind the desk. And the contenders are thrilled to see her and encouraged by her.”
However, fellow judge Luke Bryan tells ABC Audio that Carrie “had a little bit of a learning situation on really saying no to kids because she’s such a sweet, kind soul… it’s tough to sit there and tell some kid no that they can’t go to Hollywood.”
For judge Lionel Richie, making it to Hollywood is a victory in itself.
“When we say, ‘You’re going to Hollywood,’ the door opens, and mothers cry. “Brothers and sisters are crying,” he explains. “As I try to tell the children on the show, forget about winning. This is the time when your family can truly say, ‘God, we’re so proud of you.’ And for a brief moment, you have won American Idol.”
