The 23rd season of American Idol premiered with a fresh energy, thanks in large part to Carrie Underwood’s debut as a judge. The country music superstar, who won the competition back in 2005, joined Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table, replacing Katy Perry. And from the very first episode, Underwood proved she’s more than just a country icon—she’s a walking encyclopedia of music.
Fans were quick to notice Underwood’s impressive range of musical knowledge, dubbing her “Jukebox Carrie” after she effortlessly referenced everything from pop and country classics to heavy metal.
One standout moment came when she surprised everyone by knowing every word to Korn’s Freak on a Leash. Her ability to connect with such a wide variety of genres left viewers in awe.
Social media lit up with praise for the new judge. One fan tweeted, “Jukebox Carrie is one of the greatest American Idol judges ever!” Another added, “Freakin’ amazing! Jukebox @carrieunderwood.”
Many agreed that Underwood’s presence has revitalized the show, with one viewer writing, “This is turning out to be one of the very best seasons ever, and it’s just the first night! Great job at choosing the talented @carrieunderwood.”
Underwood, now a Grammy-winning artist with nine studio albums under her belt, brings a unique perspective to the judging panel. Having once stood in the contestants’ shoes, she’s determined to offer both encouragement and honest feedback.
Ahead of the premiere, she shared, “I know exactly what it’s like to stand in their shoes. I want to encourage them while also preparing them for what’s ahead.”
This season’s auditions took place in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, with hopefuls competing for a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Adding to the excitement, American Idol introduced a new “artist in residence” role, with Grammy-nominated country singer Jelly Roll stepping in as the first mentor to guide contestants through the competition.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect a mix of powerful performances, emotional moments, and the search for the next music superstar. American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and is available for next-day streaming on Hulu. For those without cable, streaming services like FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling offer trial periods for new users.
With “Jukebox Carrie” on the panel, this season of American Idol is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet.
