Luke Bryan Shares Advice for FellowIdolJudge Carrie Underwood — and Says She's Having Trouble Saying 'No'

Mar. 15, 2025

Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Luke Bryanhas some wise words forCarrie Underwood.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the “Kick the Dust Up” singer revealed the piece of advice he gave Underwood ahead of her first-ever season as a judge onAmerican Idol.

“The thing about it is Carrie has to kind of learn in real time,” Bryan, 48, toldE! Newson theCMA Awardsred carpet. “You kind of have to learn how to be a judge. It’s not like you can go toAmerican Idoljudging school."

So far, Bryan said, Underwood, 41, is “awesome with the kids” and “has the best soul and heart.”

“She’s doing a great job and really settling into the judging table,” he said.

As she gets into the groove of things, Bryan noted that there’s one thing she’s struggling with.

“When she has to say ‘No’ she’s like, ‘I don’t wanna tell them no,’” Bryan said of Underwood. “But it’s kind of a part [of the job]. It’s hard when you got a kid that’s young and they haven’t found who they are musically.”

During anAugust interviewwith Seattle radio hostGabe Mercer, Bryan shared another piece of advice for his fellow judge. (Underwood will be joining Bryan andLionel Richieon the judges' panel.)

“Maybe I should credit her,” he added. “Do therapists do gift cards where I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher?”

Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood in Nashville in November 2016.Jason Davis/FilmMagic

The “Before He Cheats” singer — who won the fourth season ofIdolback in 2005 — was announced asKaty Perry’s replacement on the reality singing showonGood Morning Americaon Aug. 1.

The announcement emphasized her full-circle the moment with throwback footage of herIdoldebut, which was filmed when she was heading from her hometown in Checotah, Oklahoma to audition for the show two decades ago.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she added.

Season 23 ofAmerican Idolwill premiere on March 9, 2025.

source: people.com