n August, “American Idol” announced that Carrie Underwood would join the singing competition as a judge for season 23, following Katy Perry‘s exit.

Underwood, as the season 4 “American Idol” winner, is well-suited for the role. Fellow judge Luke Bryan says he’s impressed with what Underwood brings to the table — but also has a word of advice.

Luke Bryan Shares His Best ‘American Idol’ Advice for Carrie Underwood

“Extra” spoke with Bryan on the red carpet at the 58th Annual CMA Awards in November, which he co-hosted with Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning. When asked about filming “American Idol,” he gave a bit of insight into how Underwood was doing.

Unsurprisingly, he said she’s nailing it.

“It’s going great. Carrie and I had always been, you know, in the business together, but we never spent much time together,” he explained. “So to sit behind the desk and watch her really learn how to transition out of, like, being the winner of ‘American Idol’ and a superstar to, like, being the judge at the table. … She’s doing good.”

Bryan also offered some simple advice for the new judge. “The main thing is, as long as she don’t pick up any of my habits,” he joked. “I don’t want to influence her in any way.”

 

Carrie Underwood 20 Years After Competing on ‘American Idol’: ‘Today I Am One of Those Judges’

On August 1, ABC announced that Underwood would join Lionel Richie and Bryan as an “American Idol” judge. In a “Good Morning America” video released at the time, she shared a bit of her unique “American Idol” journey.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” Underwood said. “I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.”

The video ended with the message: “Welcome American Idol’s newest judge.”

In an August Instagram post, Underwood shared throwback photos from her own experience as a contestant on the show. “✨ 8/11/2004 ✨ 20 years ago I auditioned for the judges of @americanidol, and today I am now one of those judges searching for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL! It all starts with an audition… will we #CUonIDOL? 🇺🇸🎤,” she wrote.

The new season of “American Idol” premieres on March 9, 2025. In a November 20 Instagram post, fans got a look at some of the contestants auditioning for the show. When Underwood asked one singer about her musical inspirations, the contestant responded, “I’m looking at her right here.”

Fans flooded the post with comments, sharing their excitement over Underwood joining the show. One person noted, “@carrieunderwood is the best! This will be the best season yet!!!” Another fan commented, “GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER ❤️ I cannot wait! What a full circle. Love you @carrieunderwood always and forever ♥️ @americanidol can’t wait!”

Original “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson also sounded off in the comments with his support for the former “Idol” winner, writing, “A well-deserved seat at the table 🙏🏽.”