It’s been 20 years since Carrie Underwood won American Idol. In the decades since, she has sold more than 85 million records worldwide and has won more awards, from Grammys to CMAs to Billboard Music Awards, than we can count. Now that she’s back on American Idol as a judge and reflecting on her career, she admits that she still feels like she’s in the hot seat.
For Carrie, one part of the show brings back all of those emotions from her time as a contestant, and that’s the music. You know, the intense instrumental song that begins every episode.
She shared a clip from set on Instagram and said, “For the record, the American Idol music gives me, like, anxiety. I get this flash of fear in my heart, like nervousness, because it’s the same. Whew! PTSD.”
Fans love seeing this candid side of Carrie and left supportive messages:
- “lol. I think you’re doing just fine Carrie 😜”
- “I’ve been waiting for that sound byte all season and was so happy to hear it last night 😆”
- “I can only imagine the pressure these contestants endure! Talk about being ‘refined by fire’. They are under fire of every critiquing fan and judge that ever engaged with the show. Having you there this season, @carrieunderwood has made it so much more enjoyable. You’re a God-send!”
- “That’s what I love about Carrie! She is so down to earth and speaks her heart.”
- “No because i can see that giving me anxiety as well 😂”
It’s true—Carrie is uniquely qualified to sit at the judges’ table, as she knows exactly what it takes to be an American Idol.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
