Carrie’s experience as a contestant is both an advantage and a challenge. She won American Idol in 2005 and knows exactly what it takes to succeed. However, she also remembers the nerves, the doubts, and the pressure of standing in front of a panel of judges.

Carrie Underwood is officially back on American Idol 20 years after she won the show. Of course, now — as Season 23 airs on the 2025 TV schedule — she’s on the other side of things, judging up-and-comers alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

American Idol” contestant Samantha Ray paid tribute to her late sister with an audition that brought judge Carrie Underwood to tears during Sunday’s new episode.