Luke Bryan’s Advice for New Idol Judge Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood , an American Idol alum and one of the most celebrated artists in country music, has taken on a new role that brings her full circle: a judge on the reality singing competition that launched her career.

Joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judging panel, Underwood steps into big shoes as she replaces Katy Perry for the upcoming season of American Idol .

But with new roles come new challenges, and fellow judge Luke Bryan, a seasoned veteran of the show, has been quick to offer guidance to help her navigate the complexities of the position.

During a candid interview on the red carpet at the 2024 CMA Awards , Bryan opened up about the advice he shared with Underwood, offering insights into her judging style and her journey so far.

This article explores Underwood’s transition into her judging role, Bryan’s words of wisdom, her impact on the contestants, and how her full-circle moment on Idol is a testament to her enduring legacy in music.

Let’s get started!

Luke Bryan’s Wise Words For Carrie Underwood

As a long-time judge on American Idol , Luke Bryan knows firsthand the demands and intricacies of the role. On November 20, 2024, he shared with E! News that the most crucial piece of advice he gave to Underwood was rooted in patience and adaptability.

“The thing about it is Carrie has to kind of learn in real time,” Bryan explained. “You kind of have to learn how to be a judge. It’s not like you can go to American Idol judging school.”

Bryan highlighted the challenge of finding a balance between offering constructive criticism and supporting contestants who are just beginning their musical journeys.

“When she has to say ‘No,’ she’s like, ‘I don’t wanna tell them no,’” Bryan revealed, noting that Underwood’s compassionate nature makes this aspect of the job particularly difficult for her.

“But it’s kind of a part [of the job]. It’s hard when you got a kid that’s young and they haven’t found who they are musically.”

While it’s clear that saying no isn’t easy for Underwood, Bryan emphasized her natural strengths. “She’s awesome with the kids,” he said. “She has the best soul and heart. She’s doing a great job and really settling into the judging table.”

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A Full-Circle Moment for Carrie Underwood

Underwood’s return to American Idol in this capacity marks a profound full-circle moment in her life. She first auditioned for the show in St. Louis two decades ago, a journey she has often described as life-changing.

Her audition catapulted her from a small-town girl in Checotah, Oklahoma, to a household name and eventual global superstar.

In an announcement on Good Morning America in August 2024, Underwood reflected on her Idol journey: “I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show.” The show shaped her career, and now, as a judge, she has the opportunity to help shape the careers of others.

Transitioning from Contestant to Judge

One of the most compelling aspects of Underwood’s new role is her unique perspective as a former contestant. Having experienced the pressure, excitement, and challenges of the competition firsthand, she brings an empathetic and relatable approach to the judging panel.

Her empathy shines through when working with young contestants.

According to Bryan, she’s deeply invested in the contestants’ growth and often struggles with delivering difficult critiques. This level of care, while admirable, is something she will have to balance as she gains more experience in her role.

Humor and Camaraderie on the Judging Panel

Joining Bryan and Lionel Richie, Underwood has found herself in a judging panel filled with humor and camaraderie. In a lighthearted TikTok video from earlier this year, Bryan joked about the dynamic between the three judges.

“Up her therapist,” Bryan quipped, referring to Underwood’s need to handle his and Richie’s antics. “If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double to deal with me and Lionel.”

He even joked about gifting her therapist a voucher, underscoring the playful rapport that has already developed among the judges. This lightheartedness promises to bring fresh and entertaining energy to the upcoming season.

What Carrie Brings to the Table

Underwood’s judging style is likely to be shaped by her own experiences as a contestant. Her approach is marked by compassion, honesty, and a focus on nurturing raw talent.

Her deep understanding of the music industry and her ability to connect with contestants on a personal level make her a valuable addition to the panel.

Her journey from small-town hopeful to global superstar offers inspiration to contestants who may see a piece of themselves in her story. Underwood’s ability to identify with their struggles and dreams could make her one of the most relatable judges the show has ever had.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

As with any new role, Underwood’s journey as a judge is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is learning to deliver constructive criticism while maintaining her compassionate nature. Bryan’s advice to “learn in real time” will undoubtedly be key as she navigates these challenges.

The role also offers Underwood the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. By stepping into this new position, she is expanding her influence in the music industry and proving that her talents extend beyond singing and performing.

Impact on the Contestants

Underwood’s presence on the panel is likely to have a profound impact on the contestants. Her story serves as a reminder that success is achievable with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck.

As someone who has walked in their shoes, she brings a level of authenticity and relatability that is rare among judges.

Contestants can benefit from her insights into the industry, as well as her ability to guide them in finding their unique voices. Her emphasis on individuality and authenticity aligns with the core values of American Idol , making her a perfect fit for the role.

Carrie Underwood’s Journey on American Idol

Aspect	Details
New Role	Judge on American Idol , replacing Katy Perry for Season 23.
Luke Bryan’s Advice	Learn in real time and balance compassion with constructive criticism.
Biggest Challenge	Struggling to say “No” to young, aspiring contestants.
Strengths	Empathy, authenticity, and ability to inspire contestants.
Season Premiere	March 9, 2025.

What Fans Can Expect From This Season

The 23rd season of American Idol promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with Underwood joining Bryan and Richie on the panel. Her addition brings a fresh perspective to the show, and fans are eager to see how she will shape the competition.

The upcoming season will also feature a mix of seasoned and new contestants, each vying for their shot at stardom. With Underwood’s guidance, these hopefuls will have the chance to learn from one of the best in the business.

Conclusion

• Carrie Underwood’s journey from American Idol contestant to judge is a testament to her incredible career and enduring legacy.
• With Luke Bryan’s guidance and her own wealth of experience, she is poised to make a significant impact on the show and its contestants.
• As she settles into her new role, Underwood’s compassionate approach and authentic connection to the contestants will undoubtedly resonate with fans.
• Season 23 of American Idol , premiering on March 9, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the show’s storied history, with Underwood playing a central role in shaping its future.

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