Carrie Underwood Tears Up in Emotional Promo for American Idol Season 23.

American Idol season 23 is set to bring emotional moments and unforgettable performances as the new judges, including Carrie Underwood, take their seats. The country music star and former Idol winner was visibly moved in a touching promo for the show, premiering on March 9.

In a heartfelt scene, Underwood, who replaced Katy Perry as a judge, wipes away tears after listening to a contestant's story. "This show is for people that have the talent, have a dream, and they just need a chance," the "Cry Pretty" singer says in the promo. Underwood's emotional reaction comes after a contestant shares how his grandparents raised him, especially his grandmother, who "put everything she had in me all these years."

As the contestant's story unfolds, Underwood is shown wiping her tears. Luke Bryan, also visibly moved, asks, "You okay over there?" to which Underwood responds, "I'm not." Bryan then offers a comforting hug to his emotional co-judge.

Catch the premiere of American Idol season 23 on Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Lionel Richie, known for his compassionate mentoring style, also supports the contestant, saying, "You need to be heard." The trio, clearly impressed by the contestant’s story and vocal abilities, enthusiastically shouts together, "You're going to Hollywood!"

The promo also teases other hopefuls with equally inspiring stories, including one contestant who says, "I've wanted this since I was a little kid," while another shares, "I'm ready for my life to change." Richie comments, “There are surprises in every person,” hinting at more moving moments to come.

As American Idol returns to TV, the judges' roles are vital in shaping the contestants' journeys. Underwood, who won American Idol nearly two decades ago, shared her approach to being a mentor. "I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind," she said in August after being confirmed as the new judge. "And I think that’s the whole point because people are coming in, and it’s dreams. You’re part of somebody’s story from that moment on."

Even Katy Perry, Underwood’s predecessor, has endorsed her decision to join the judging panel. "She was born on that show," Perry said in January. "She actually truly knows. As artists, we've been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day. So I think she's going to have a lot to offer anyone that's willing to listen."

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As fans eagerly await the season premiere, it's clear that American Idol will once again be full of powerful moments, both for the contestants and the judges.

American Idol is an American singing competition television series that first premiered on June 11, 2002, on Fox. Created by Simon Fuller, the show is designed to discover new solo singing talent across the United States. It quickly became one of the most popular reality TV shows, known for its format of auditions, Hollywood rounds, and live performances. Contestants compete for the chance to win a recording contract, with many past winners going on to achieve significant success in the music industry.

The show has gone through several iterations over the years, including a move to ABC after its initial run on Fox. The format includes celebrity judges who critique performances and help guide contestants through their journey. The judges over the years have included famous artists such as Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. The host of the show has also changed over the years, with Ryan Seacrest being a longtime fixture of the program.

The series has launched the careers of numerous famous musicians, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Adam Lambert, who all gained fame and success after their time on the show.

American Idol is not just a competition but a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their vocal abilities to a global audience, making it one of the most influential talent shows in television history.

Catch the premiere of American Idol season 23 on Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. on ABC.

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