Carrie Underwood appeared alongside her fellow American Idol judges in an emotional sneak peek for the show’s upcoming season. Underwood is serving as a judge for the first time as she marks 20 years since she won the show in 2005.
Fellow country icon Luke Bryan and legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie will return to the celebrity judge panel, along with longtime host Ryan Seacrest. Idol hopefuls talk about the show’s life-changing potential in the promo for the new season. Judges shared feedback, including Underwood acknowledging “I know you’re nervous,” and later appearing to hold back tears as she spoke with one of the singers.
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” Underwood said in a video when she announced her return to American Idol as a judge. “I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.”
American Idol’s newest season will premiere on ABC on March 9. it will be available the following day on Hulu. A special preview will air immediately after the Oscars on March 2. The award show will start at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC.
Until then, relive Underwood’s American Idol journey in photos here.