Carrie Underwood’s Debut Season As A Judge On American Idol Is Already Proving To Be An Emotional One.

Season 23 of American Idol doesn’t premiere until March, but fans are already getting sneak peeks of what to expect when the show airs.

Auditions for the show are already underway, and the judges are back at the panel deciding which contestants earn a Golden Ticket to the next round. That means the fate of these individuals is in the hands of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and newcomer judge Carrie Underwood.

Underwood is stepping into her new role as a judge this season, two decades after winning Season 4 of Idol. Now, on the other side of the competition, she knows firsthand how much it means to these hopeful singers, making the experience even more personal.

 

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Fans have already seen a few previews of the new season, including one moment when Underwood teared up after a contestant shared a story about their child.

Now, in a newly released clip featuring more upcoming auditions, one contestant’s life story seems to have struck a chord with Underwood, making her sob.

In an exclusive promo released by E! News, Underwood shares her thoughts on the contestants auditioning for the show, as a montage of their performances plays.

“This show is for people that have the talent, have a dream…and they just need a chance,” she says.

The video then transitions to an audition where a contestant shares a touching story about their upbringing with the judges.

“My grandparents raised me from the moment I turned 2,” the unnamed hopeful shares.

His family then joins him in the room, and he adds, “She put everything she had in me all these years,” as he holds his grandmother tight in a hug.

This moment was enough to completely break Underwood, who is seen crying uncontrollably and having to blow her nose. This prompts Luke Bryan to check up on her.

“You okay over there?” he jokingly asks. To which the “Before He Cheats” singer exclaimed, “I’m not!”

With these new teasers filled with moments that have the judges crying, it looks like viewers should keep tissues handy because this season is shaping up to be a heavy one.