Carrie Underwood Reveals She Was ‘Nervous’ About Being an ‘American Idol’ Judge

Carrie Underwood might have had reservations about being an “American Idol” judge, but she’s found her groove. Find out why the “Idol” alum was initially “nervous” about sitting at the table.

Carrie Underwood Says ‘It’s a Different Ballgame’ on ‘American Idol’

Underwood seems like a natural choice to serve as a judge on “American Idol” after winning season 4 of the singing competition. The past experience didn’t make it any easier for her, however.

In a March 2025 interview with Katie Neal on the “Superstar Power Hour” podcast, Underwood was asked what it’s like to be “on the opposite side of the judges’ table” 20 years after she was on the show.

“It’s been really great,” the singer shared. “I was nervous coming in because it’s a different ballgame, you know. And sitting on the other side of the table, more than anything, I want to help all of these people coming through, and help them become better performers and live their dreams.”

Underwood continued, “So I want to be constructive and tell them things they can work on, but then you’re like, am I coming across mean, or like how is it gonna turn out, that I’m really happy getting to watch the first little bits of it.”

She added, “There’s so much talent. It’s kind of insane how gifted some of these people are.”

The singer also revealed some of the challenging aspects of the show, including long days during the auditions and having to give contestants bad news. “It’s been difficult at times telling people no, because I do feel like I’m a people pleaser,” she explained. “I just want everybody to do good and be happy … but you can’t operate like that.”

“We have to make some tough decisions,” Underwood noted.

Carrie Underwood Learned a Judging Trick From Luke Bryan

Fellow “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan taught Underwood a trick during auditions that was so helpful.

During a March 5 interview with “Good Morning America,” Bryan revealed how he gave Underwood a helpful judging tip. “Early in the tapings, Carrie didn’t know that you could start telling the contestants what to sing,” he explained.

The singer noted, “I was like, ‘Sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ sing this,’ and Carrie’s like, ‘We can do that?’ So the fun part about that is when you really see something magical in a kid and the other two judges may not, but you can really take ownership of this one particular contestant.”

That small tip can make a big difference, according to Bryan. “Lionel and I have done that in years past, so it’s really fun when you can feel a connection with a kid and start really kind of cheering them on and doing things in your mind that you think will help them navigate the thing,” he explained.