entertainment / Saturday, 23-Aug-2025

Carrie Underwood Orders American Idol Season 23 Contestant To Never Say These Words Again Amid Signs She’s Failing As A Judge

American Idol judge Carrie Underwood gave a contestant some good advice at her audition by telling her not to use certain words to describe herself. For American Idol season 23, Carrie is taking Katy Perry's place at the judging table, alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Carrie won American Idol season 4 in 2005, and has since gone on to become a global superstar. However, she's faced some backlash because she performed at President Donald Trump's inauguration, which has led some people to believe that she's failing as a judge.

During a preview clip, Carrie ordered auditioning American Idol season 23 contestant Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas, to "never say I'm just a stay-at-home mom," after the hopeful described herself that way.

In a clip shared by Parade, Carrie ordered auditioning American Idol season 23 contestant Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas, to "never say I'm just a stay-at-home mom," after the hopeful described herself that way. The video began with Carrie saying, "The thing that excites me the most about American Idol is being able to be part of somebody’s story. People bring their kids in, and I get to snuggle with a kiddo watching their mom."

In the preview, Breanna asked Carrie if her son could sit with her while she auditioned, which Carrie answered with an enthusiastic yes. When she introduced herself, Breanna said, "I'm just a stay-at-home mom." As Carrie held Breanna's son in her lap, she replied, "Never say I’m just a stay-at-home mom."

Breanna then said of her son, "To know that he's watching his mama go chase after her dreams, I just hope that one day he'll do the same thing." After Breanna auditioned with Carrie's song, "Jesus, Take The Wheel," Carrie hugged her. Then the Idol judge said, "It was an honor to listen to you sing that song."

What Carrie’s Very Pointed Message Means For American Idol Season 23

Carrie Wants The American Idol Contestants To Have Self-Worth

American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, smiling
American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood

Carrie's very pointed message to Breanna proves that she wants the American Idol season 23 contestants to have self-worth. Carrie herself is a mom to her sons Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5. She understands how important mothers are to the world, and she wanted Breanna to know that she valued her as a mom. This was a beautiful thing to see because Carrie gave her unwavering support to Breanna.

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Carrie's message shows she'll be a supportive judge who brings out the best in the contestants. She won't let anyone feel less-than, and she'll do whatever she can to build up everyone's confidence and self-esteem. This is an essential quality for a judge, and it was something that Katy was especially good at. It's wonderful to see that Carrie is filling that role as well.

Our Take On Carrie Underwood’s Advice to American Idol Contestant

Carrie Was The Perfect Choice To Be An American Idol Judge

Not only is Carrie one of American Idol's most successful winners and a legendary music star, but she also has a kind and genuine personality that will shine during the show. Her advice to Breanna was so beautiful because she let her know that being a mom is one of the most important jobs in the world. This immediately gave Breanna the self-worth that she needed to give the best audition that she could. Carrie was the perfect choice to be an American Idol judge, and she's certainly succeeding in the role.

American Idol premieres Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Source: Parade

American Idol Season 21 Poster

Your Rating

American Idol
TV-PG
Reality
Competition
72
5.5/10
Release Date
2002 - 2016-00-00
Showrunner
Nigel Lythgoe
Franchise(s)
American Idol

Cast

See All

American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international "Idol" brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they'd go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America's next musical idol. 

Creator(s)
Simon Fuller
Main Genre
Reality
Producers
Simon Fuller, Simon Jones, Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick, David Hill
Franchise
Idol, American Idol
Seasons
15
Avg Episode Length
2-3 hours
Production Company
Fremantle North Americ, 19 Entertainment
Streaming Service(s)
FOX

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