Luke Bryan says Carrie Underwood has 'got the best soul and heart' as he shares advice for fellow judge
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Luke Bryan has shared the advice he gave Carrie Underwood as she prepares to step into her new role as a judge on 'American Idol'.
According to People, during a recent interview on the CMA Awards red carpet on November 20, Bryan opened up about the guidance he offered to the country music superstar who is joining him and Lionel Richie on the panel for the upcoming season of the reality show.
Luke Bryan emphasizes the learning curve for new judges
Luke Bryan, 48, explained that being a judge on 'American Idol' is a learning process, noting that it’s not something you can prepare for in a classroom. “The thing about it is Carrie has to kind of learn in real time,” he told E! News.
“You kind of have to learn how to be a judge. It’s not like you can go to 'American Idol' judging school,” he said. While the role may come with a learning curve, Bryan assured fans that Underwood, 41, is already excelling in the role. “She’s awesome with the kids,” he said. “She’s got the best soul and heart,” he further said, adding that she has been “settling into the judging table” quite well.
Luke Bryan highlights Carrie Underwood's struggle with rejecting contestants
However, Luke Bryan did acknowledge one aspect of the job that Carrie Underwood is still adjusting to. “When she has to say ‘No,’ she’s like, ‘I don’t wanna tell them no,’” Bryan explained, referring to the challenges that come with rejecting contestants.
“But it’s kind of a part [of the job],” he added. He noted that it can be particularly tough when the contestants are young and still finding their musical identity. “It’s hard when you got a kid that’s young and they haven’t found who they are musically,” he said, recognizing the emotional complexity of the decision.
Luke Bryan jokingly advises Carrie Underwood to 'up her therapist' as he reflects on the fun chemistry between the judges
Earlier this year, Luke Bryan shared another lighthearted piece of advice for Carrie Underwood during an August interview with Seattle radio host Gabe Mercer. The two judges’ playful dynamic was evident when Bryan joked, “Up her therapist.”
He added, “If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double to deal with me and Lionel,” referring to his fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Underwood. “Maybe I should credit her,” Bryan continued, suggesting he might send Underwood’s therapist a gift card for extra sessions. His humorous take highlighted the fun chemistry between the panelists.
Carrie Underwood reflects on her full-circle moment as she returns to 'American Idol', 20 years after winning Season 4
The 23rd season of 'American Idol' marks a full-circle moment for Underwood who first rose to fame as the winner of Season 4 in 2005. In an August announcement, Underwood reflected on her journey from a small-town girl in Checotah, Oklahoma, to a global superstar.
“I remember being at home in our little house and seeing on TV that there were auditions in St. Louis,” she recalled in throwback footage, adding, “My mom said, ‘If you want to go, I’ll drive you.’” Underwood’s rise from obscurity to stardom was marked by a pivotal moment. “I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she said.
