Carrie Underwood Compares ‘American Idol’ Then and Now
Carrie Underwood is ready for the premiere of American Idol’s Season 23, which airs on ABC starting March 9, 2025. She will join judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Carrie posted a duo photo of herself on Instagram, one from when she was a contestant on Idol in 2005 and another from now as a judge on Idol in 2025.
She captioned the photo, “‘Then’ as a contestant vs. ‘Now as a judge 20 years later! Counting down the days as we’re one month away from the March 9 season premiere of @americanidol on @abc and Stream on @hulu! #CUonIDOL.”
Many fans responded to her timeline post, including one diehard fan who commented, “Soooo looking forward to this!” Another fan wrote, addressing some of the social media backlash she has been getting after performing for President Trump’s Inauguration, “Love you, Carrie! Anyone that doesn’t, just because you performed for the President, is the one with issues. We all have a right to vote.”
One more fan said, “Can’t wait. Love Idol….. Great this season with Carrie.”
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Carrie’s Inauguration Performance
Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” after a delay at President Trump’s inauguration last month (1/20), which pushed her performance back about half an hour. When she did take to the stage at the rotunda in the Capitol, Carrie stood patiently as they tried to gather the music. They were unable to do so, so she sang acapella after telling the crowd to sing along with her because everyone knew the words.
She showed her vocal skills and, when she was finished, shook former President Biden’s hand and then President Trump’s hand, who leaned in to kiss her cheek. She was accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
Underwood said in a statement to the U.S.A. Today, after it was announced she would perform at the inauguration, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
