Carrie Underwood Tears Up in Emotional ‘American Idol’ Trailer

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Carrie Underwood was visibly emotional during a new trailer for Season 23 of ABC‘s “American Idol,” set to debut on March 9, 2025. The 39-year-old singer, who won the show’s fourth season in 2005, will return as a judge for the upcoming season. In the trailer, Underwood breaks down while listening to a contestant’s heartfelt story about his grandmother.

The emotional moment arises when the male contestant shares that he was raised by his grandparents from the age of two. Underwood, visibly moved, wipes away tears as the contestant embraces his grandmother, who is also crying in response to his words. She is mentioned saying, ‘She put everything she had in me all those years.’

As Luke Bryan, another judge, notices Underwood’s distress, he asks if she’s alright. Through tears, she responds, ‘I’m not,’ prompting both Bryan and fellow judge Lionel Richie to comfort her. Richie then tells the contestant that he ‘needs to be heard,’ leading to unanimous support for his advancement to the Hollywood round.

The trailer features a montage of several contestants, including a young woman expressing her desire for life changes and a young man recounting dreams he has pursued since childhood. A Black woman featured in the preview states, ‘It would bring back the hope that I lost.’

In one notable moment, host Ryan Seacrest encourages a contestant to return with a ‘Golden Ticket,’ an emblem of advancement in the competition. Another contestant performing James Brown’s classic, “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” brings all three judges to their feet, prompting Richie to exclaim, ‘My goodness!’

Underwood emphasizes the hopeful nature of the show, stating, ‘This show is for people who have the talent, have the dream, and they just need a chance.’ The emotional trailer concludes with several singers receiving their ‘Golden Tickets,’ symbolizing a step closer to their dreams.

Hours before the trailer’s release, Underwood and her co-judges were spotted filming scenes for the upcoming season in Oahu, Hawaii. Underwood appeared in a stunning flowing green gown adorned with a cape, complemented by a traditional lei around her neck.

The excitement builds for “American Idol,” which will air Sundays at 8 PM ET on ABC, promising a season filled with passion, talent, and emotional moments.