Luke Bryan Offers Advice For Carrie Underwood Ahead Of Her New ‘American Idol’ Role
Bryan believes Underwood might need to double her therapy sessions to handle working with him and Lionel Richie.
Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood; Photos Courtesy ABC
Now that the news is out that Carrie Underwood will be joining the American Idol team in the Spring of 2025 as the newest judge, Luke Bryan has shared advice for her on how to handle the upcoming role alongside him and fellow returning judge, Lionel Richie.
“If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double [up] to deal with me and Lionel [Richie],” Bryan said during an interview with Audacy’s 100.7 The Wolf at 2024’s Watershed Music Festival.
He also had shared his idea for a generous welcome gift for Underwood that might help her better navigate all the hilarious antics, pranks and lively energy the male hitmakers have been known to bring to the show each season.
“Do therapists do gift cards? I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher,” he joked.
Underwood Opens Up About New Idol Chapter On ‘Good Morning America’
ABC officially revealed the judging panel for the franchise’s 23rd overall season on August 1, 2024, naming Underwood as the replacement for Katy Perry, who served on the show for seven seasons. Following the exciting announcement, the Oklahoma native took part in the Good Morning America (GMA) Summer Concert Series in Central Park, where she spoke about this next chapter of her career and performed the songs “Last Name,” “Before He Cheats” and “Out of That Truck.”
While this will be a whole new role for the eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner, it is certainly not the start to her American Idol journey. Her experience with the show began two decades ago when she won over the judges with her rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” before ultimately taking home the Season 4 win. When asked about how she feels about the opportunity to return to the place that started it all for her music career, Underwood told GMA, “It feels like home.”
“There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there from when I was a contestant,” she added.
The One Thing She Foresees Being A “Big Problem”
Carrie Underwood is the first judge to have also served as a contestant on the popular singing competition, meaning she will be able to bring a whole new perspective to the next round of contestants.
“I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint.”
It seems that Underwood feels confident in her ability to bring new insight and wisdom to the show, however she did make note of one thing that could be a “big problem.”
“I can’t lie,” she admitted. “I just can’t. You can tell.”
Rest assured, she plans to use her honesty to provide “constructive and encouraging” feedback rather than being harsh on the contestants, just as she does with her own two kids at home.
Live Virtual Auditions Begin This Week
Auditions for Season 8 of American Idol will begin Monday, August 12, with the return of “Idol Across America.” Those hoping for their chance at stardom have the chance to take part in live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar that takes place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will get to put their talent on display in front of an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date in hopes of getting to advance to the next step, the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
For more information on auditions, please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions.
Fans will also be able to catch Carrie Underwood performing in Las Vegas at Resorts World for her recently extended Las Vegas residency. The new dates set for March and April 2025 come in addition to her already-announced 2024 performances in August and October.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
