Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan are reflecting on how “American Idol” has changed their lives since they joined the show as judges. Find out how the show impacted each of them in different ways.
Lionel Richie Says ‘It’s a Wonderful Addition’ to His Life & Luke Bryan Gained a New Perspective
In an April 2025 interview with Billboard, the judging trio chatted about how “American Idol” has impacted their lives. Although Richie is a music legend, being on “Idol” introduced him to a new generation of fans.
“Now when I’m in restaurants or walking the streets or in a mall I hear screaming and ‘eeking’ and ‘mom, mom, mom, there’s Lionel!’ And I’m being attacked by the 9- to 12-year-olds. It’s the coolest thing ever,” Richie shared. “And, of course, they don’t know anything about me except I’m a judge on ‘American Idol.'”
The singer noted that they may know hits like “Dancing on the Ceiling” or “All Night Long,” but now he’s a household name to a younger generation. “It’s a wonderful addition to my life,” he said.
Bryan said he appreciates the new perspective he’s gained as a result of the show.
“It’s like having a looking glass into America’s youth,” he explained. “Without ‘American Idol,’ I wouldn’t have a front row seat to the ups and the downs of America’s youth growing up in a new wave of social media, with all the positives and the negatives.”
Bryan continued, “I’ve developed a new appreciation for what our youth go through. It’s taught me to come from a small town in South Georgia and see the melting pot that America is. For me to be able to witness that through the youth and their stories and their differences and watching music bringing us all together, it’s been very enlightening for me.”
Carrie Underwood Experienced Some ‘Firsts’ With ‘American Idol’
As the “American Idol” season 4 winner, Underwood has the most unique experience now that she’s got a seat on the judging panel.
“It’s pretty obvious how ‘Idol’ has changed me and changed my life. I came from obscurity in a small town in Oklahoma,” the singer said. “I loved to sing but didn’t really know how to get from point A to point B. From that first ‘Idol’ moment on, my life was on a completely different path.”
Underwood noted that there were “a lot of firsts,” including her first time on a plane. “A lot of firsts. It was a launching pad and I owe it all to this show,” she said.
The country star is grateful for the show giving her that amazing start to her career. “I’ve always been a supporter and champion for ‘Idol’ and consider myself blessed every single day that this is how I got my start and I’m glad to be a part of this legacy,” Underwood said.
She added, “It’s a monster show. It’s still going. It’s still changing lives. It’s incredible just to be a part of that.”
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‘American Idol’ Judges Share Surprising Ways the Show Has Changed Their Lives