Two decades after winning Season 4 of American Idol, the country superstar returned to the show—this time as a judge. The emotional moment came full circle when she couldn’t hold back tears during a contestant’s powerful performance.
The new season premieres March 9, 2024, airing Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Fans can also stream episodes the next day on Hulu. Alongside host Ryan Seacrest, Underwood will reflect on her journey in the digital series Idol To Icon, debuting March 4.
Back in 2005, her audition number—14887—marked the start of her rise to fame. Now, she brings raw emotion and experience to the judging panel, proving how far she’s come since her own audition.
Key Takeaways
- Season 23 of American Idol premieres March 9, 2024, with a two-night event.
- Underwood returns as a judge 20 years after winning Season 4.
- ABC will air episodes Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
- Hulu offers next-day streaming for viewers.
- The digital series Idol To Icon explores Underwood’s career evolution.
Emotional ‘American Idol’ Auditions That Moved Carrie Underwood
The 2024 premiere of *American Idol* featured performances so poignant they blurred the line between audition and therapy session. Two contestants, Samantha Ray and Slater Nalley, transformed their grief into art—leaving judge Carrie Underwood visibly shaken.
Samantha Ray’s Tribute to Her Late Sister
The 22-year-old stay-at-home mom from Ila, Georgia, chose “I Hope You Dance” to honor her sister, who passed from an overdose in February 2024. Her stripped-down rendition emphasized lyrical sincerity over vocal flair.
Luke Bryan called it “a classic done your own way,” while Lionel Richie noted how the performance “triggered emotions we all suppress.” The panel unanimously sent her to Hollywood Week.
Slater Nalley’s Original Song for a Fallen Friend
Atlanta student Slater Nalley, 17, performed “Traces of You,” a song inspired by his teacher’s poem about her late son, Carter Davis (1999–2016). Unaware of the backstory initially, Nalley’s melody mirrored the poem’s themes of legacy.
Underwood, dabbing tears, said listeners could “personalize the memory.” The table below contrasts both auditions:
| Contestant | Age | Song | Inspiration | Judges’ Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samantha Ray | 22 | “I Hope You Dance” | Sister’s overdose | “Authentic storytelling” (Richie) |
| Slater Nalley | 17 | “Traces of You” | Teacher’s poem | “Universal grief” (Underwood) |
Both auditions underscored *music*’s role in processing loss—a theme central to the *series*’ 23rd season.
Carrie Underwood Loses It During ‘Idol’ Audition [Watch]
Judges rarely break composure, but one contestant’s story left Carrie Underwood speechless. The Season 23 premiere showcased raw vulnerability, with performances that blurred the line between competition and catharsis.
Her Tearful Reaction to Samantha’s Performance
Samantha Ray’s rendition of *I Hope You Dance* silenced the room. The 22-year-old dedicated the song to her sister, who died months earlier. Underwood froze for 13 seconds before whispering, *”It goes right to me.”*
Luke Bryan leaned in, asking, *”You OK over there?”* Her reply—*”I’m not”*—highlighted the song’s familial themes. Critics noted how Ray’s minimalist delivery amplified lyrical sincerity, a tactic Underwood herself employed early in her career.
Why Slater’s Song Hit Her So Hard
Slater Nalley’s original *Traces of You* mirrored a poem about loss. Underwood noted its universal appeal: *”You can fill in that memory with somebody.”* The table below contrasts both performances:
| Element | Samantha Ray | Slater Nalley |
|---|---|---|
| Song | Cover: *I Hope You Dance* | Original: *Traces of You* |
| Emotional Trigger | Personal loss | Collective grief |
| Judges’ Notes | *”Authentic storytelling”* (Richie) | *”Universal language”* (Underwood) |
Bryan’s role as emotional barometer underscored the panel’s dynamic. Cutaway shots to Carter Davis’ tribute images deepened the moment, echoing Underwood’s *Idol To Icon* reflections on vulnerability.
From Contestant to Judge: Carrie’s Full-Circle Moment
Four Billboard No. 1 albums later, the former contestant now critiques performances with hard-earned wisdom. The show’s 2024 format contrasts sharply with her 2005 audition—a single-room tryout versus today’s arena stages. “I should get a tattoo of that audition number,” she joked in *Idol To Icon*, referencing 14887.
Her post-Idol career highlights include chart-toppers like *Cry Pretty* and *Denim & Rhinestones*. The digital series unpacks journal entries from her early years, revealing how Simon Cowell’s blunt critiques shaped her resilience. Now, she balances empathy with technical feedback—a stark shift from Cowell’s era.
“You can’t manufacture authenticity. That’s what I listen for.”
ABC’s news strategy leveraged the Oscars lead-out to promote the premiere. This year’s panel, featuring Jelly Roll’s addition after Katy Perry’s exit, reflects the series’ evolution. Below, key contrasts between 2005 and 2024:
| Aspect | 2005 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Judges | Cowell, Jackson, Abdul | Underwood, Bryan, Richie |
| Stage | Small room | Arena |
| Feedback Style | Blunt critiques | Empathetic coaching |
Hollywood Week now tests contestants under stadium lights—a far cry from the intimate early rounds she once navigated. Yet, as *Idol To Icon* reveals, some nerves never fade. “Walking in, I still feel like that girl in the pink dress,” she admitted.
Conclusion: A Judge Who Understands the Journey
Returning to the show as a judge, the country star brings a rare dual perspective. Twenty years after her own breakthrough, she now mentors new talent with hard-won wisdom. Research indicates contestants benefit most when judges blend technical expertise with lived experience.
This season of American Idol emphasizes emotional authenticity alongside vocal precision. The music industry increasingly values artists who connect deeply with audiences—a skill the panel evaluates rigorously. Data shows past contestants with such qualities achieve longer careers.
As entertainment news highlights, the series remains culturally relevant by evolving its approach. The platform continues launching stars while preserving the raw vulnerability that first captivated viewers 23 seasons ago.
FAQ
What happened during Carrie Underwood’s emotional moment on ‘American Idol’?
The country star was visibly moved during auditions, tearing up after contestants performed heartfelt tributes to lost loved ones.
Which performances triggered Carrie Underwood’s emotional reaction?
Samantha Ray’s tribute to her late sister and Slater Nalley’s original song for a fallen friend deeply affected the judge.
Why did Carrie Underwood relate so strongly to the contestants?
Having started her career on the show in 2005, she understands the pressure and vulnerability of auditioning firsthand.
How has Carrie Underwood’s role evolved on ‘American Idol’?
After winning Season 4 as a contestant, she returned as a guest mentor before joining the judging panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
What makes this season’s auditions stand out?
Raw, personal stories—like Samantha’s and Slater’s—have brought rare emotional depth to the competition this year.
I am Marina, a professional in tourism by trade. Additionally, I serve as the editor at wikibiography.in. Apart from my career in tourism, I am passionate about music, hiking, and cinema.