In 2004, Carrie Underwood took a leap of faith when she auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol. Her standout cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” earned her a ticket to Hollywood and ultimately, she would go on to win the competition. 

Over two decades later, Underwood has returned to the show as a judge, marking a full-circle moment in her life and career. During Sunday’s American Idol episode, the country superstar “auditioned” for the show once again, delivering an incredible acapella performance of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” from the judges panel while seated between Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. 

Underwood’s vocals sounded as incredible as ever as she sang the iconic hit. Richie even joked, “you’re going to Hollywood!”   

The video of her performance included clips form her original audition, once again bringing things full-circle for the eight-time GRAMMY winner. 

Reflecting on her American Idol journey, Underwood recalled the moment she received her ticket to Hollywood and how it deepened her connection with the contestants. Having experienced that life-changing moment herself, she now relates to the hopefuls on a more personal level.  

“I definitely see bits of myself in these different hopefuls when they come in to audition,” she said. “Getting the first golden ticket, having somebody say, ‘You are going Hollywood. We believe in you.’ It was like, wow. It was validation.” 

Although she is new to the judges’ panel, the Oklahoma native admits she’s loving every minute of this new gig. 

“[It’s] so much fun to be on the other side of the desk and be the one that’s giving people that opportunity,” she shared with a big smile. 

During the latest episode of Idol, Underwood also reunited with the PS22 Kids; Chorus where she joined them in singing her 2007 hit, “So Small.” This emotional moment nearly brought Underwood to tears. Click below to watch. 

Throughout this milestone season of American Idol, Underwood is looking back on her Idol journey through a new series dubbed “Idol To Icon.” Premiering on YouTube, the series will find her reflecting on her American Idol season while guiding the new contestants as a judge.

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