Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Mar 13, 2025
Table of Contents
Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest. PHOTO:GETTY
‘American Idol’ returned to ABC for its 23rd season with an exciting two-hour premiere last Sunday. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest for his 22nd season, the episode was filled with emotional performances, jaw-dropping moments, and a glimpse into what’s to come in the season.
Let’s break it all down for you, including Carrie Underwood’s emotional moment and the stand-out performances that had viewers talking.
Carrie Underwood Joins the Idol Family (And Already Kills It)
As we all know, Katy Perry passed the torch on to country music superstar and eight-time Grammy-winning artist Carrie Underwood. Underwood, who rose to fame after winning Season 4 of ‘American Idol’, is stepping into the judge’s chair, taking over for Perry after she announced that Season 22 would be her last.
Underwood, known for her heartbreak anthem “Before He Cheats,” is bringing her expertise and passion for music to the panel, ready to guide the next generation of talent.
“I love Idol so much,” Perry told host Jimmy Kimmel back in 2024. “It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat”
She had also shared that a possible tour could be in the books for this chapter of her life.
Carrie Underwood’s Journey: Nerves, Jitters, and All
Underwood, who has now stepped into the role of a judge, has a unique perspective after being a contestant on the show. She’s learned a few things along the way, but still gets nerves and jitters when it comes to being on the judge’s panel.
In Katie Neal’s “Superstar Power Hour” podcast (March 2025) , Underwood was asked to reflect on her experience sitting on the judges’ panel 20 years after competing on the show.
“It’s been really great,” the vocalist shared. “I was nervous coming in because it’s a different ballgame, you know. And sitting on the other side of the table, more than anything, I want to help all of these people coming through, and help them become better performers and live their dreams.”
She added, “There’s so much talent. It’s kind of insane how gifted some of these people are.”
Underwood also answered a question many of us have… how do you say no to someone with immense talent and probably does have what it takes?
“It’s been difficult at times telling people no, because I do feel like I’m a people pleaser,” she explained. “I just want everybody to do good and be happy … but you can’t operate like that.”
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were quick to take Underwood under their wing, offering support and guidance as she navigates this new role.
On ‘Good Morning America’, Luke Bryan opened up about how he helped Underwood settle into her role as a judge. “I was like, ‘Sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ sing this,’ and Carrie’s like, ‘We can do that?’ So the fun part about that is when you really see something magical in a kid and the other two judges may not, but you can really take ownership of this one particular contestant,” Bryan explained.
He went on to say that just offering small tips, even if it’s singing “Happy Birthday,” can go a long way in helping contestants find their voice. “Lionel and I have done that in years past, so it’s really fun when you can feel a connection with a kid and start really kind of cheering them on.”
Carrie’s First Audition as a Judge: “I’m Really Nervous!”
As the season premiere kicked off, Carrie Underwood entered Bridgestone Arena in Nashville feeling the nerves just like the contestants. “I feel like I’m going to audition, to be honest,” she said. “I just want to do a good job.”
Reflecting on her own time on ‘American Idol’, Underwood confessed that it was “the most immense stress I’ve ever been through,” but emphasized that she understood exactly what the contestants were going through. “I’m really hoping I can use that to all of our advantage,” she said.
The season premiere had its fair share of powerful performances that had viewers glued to their screens. One of the most emotional moments came from Baylee Littrell, the son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell.
Baylee, who performed an original song titled “Waiting on Myself to Die,” surprised both the judges and viewers alike. The inspiring lyrics of the song, combined with his powerful delivery, made for a memorable moment. The judges were already impressed with his performance, but just for cautionary, they requested a father-son duet. In which they absolutely smashed, leaving Brian in tears.
Baylee’s father, Brian Littrell, shared how proud he was of his son. “I’ve always told everybody that he’s 10 times more talented than I ever was,” Brian said. “He’s obviously grown up in the business, and I think he’s cut out for it.”
This Teen’s Performance Deserved a Ticket to Hollywood, No Questions Asked
Another contestant who left a strong impression was 17-year-old Isaiah Misailegalu, a high school senior from Las Vegas, Nevada. He’s the varsity football team captain, a member of the honor choir, and president of his school’s Polynesian club. And if that wasn’t enough, he also brings some serious talent to the audition room.
Isaiah performed Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You,” accompanied by his uncle on the acoustic guitar. The performance was so moving, you’ll find yourself hitting replay again and again.
Before giving all three yeses, Underwood joked, “It sounds like you’ve been doing this forever. You made it sound so easy, and it’s not. Well done, you liar.”
Richie added, “You just borrowed Donny’s song, but now it’s your song.”
Mom, Baby, and a Lullaby: The Sweetest Moment of the Night
One of the most heartwarming moments of the night came from Breanna Nix, a stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas.
Breanna’s stunning cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” was so beautiful it could easily be turned into a lullaby. Her toddler, Emerson, fought to stay awake throughout the performance, but eventually drifted off to sleep in Underwood’s arms.
It was a truly sweet moment, and it worked like magic to earn Breanna her golden ticket to Hollywood.
And that’s how you get to Hollywood—along with a breathtaking vocal range like Nix’s, of course.
Here’s a recap of the contestants who earned their Golden Tickets during the premiere:
Abi Bowen Age: 24 Hometown: Blountville, Tenn. Audition: “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt
Che Age: 28 Hometown: Essex, England Audition: “Mirror” by Madison Ryann Ward
Joey Ciccone Age: 27 Hometown: Utica, N.Y. Audition: “Falling” by Harry Styles
Insite Age: 18 Hometown: Naples, Fla. Audition: “Freak on a Leash” by Korn
Pat Johnson Age: 25 Hometown: Stratford, N.J. Audition: “Need It” (original)
Kolbi Jordan (Upgraded to Platinum Ticket) Age: 26 Hometown: Tulsa, Okla. Audition: “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)” by Chrisette Michele
Baylee Littrell Age: 21 Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga. Audition: “Waiting on Myself to Die” (original)
Isaiah Misailegalu Age: 17 Hometown: Las Vegas Audition: “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway
Slater Nalley Age: 17 Hometown: Atlanta Audition: “Traces of You” (original)
Breanna Nix Age: 25 Hometown: Denton, Texas Audition: “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood
Lillie Zitlaly Rhoden Age: 20 Hometown: Meridian, Miss. Audition: “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol
Gabby Samone Age: 22 Hometown: Baltimore Audition: “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
Kam’Ron Smith Age: 21 Hometown: Rocky Mount, Va. Audition: “Pickup Man” by Joe Diffie
Shane Dan Turner Age: 28 Hometown: Rockaway, N.Y. Audition: Unknown
Ian Ward Age: 28 Hometown: San Diego Audition: “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
Crews Wright Age: 17 Hometown: Samson, Ala. Audition: “The Fireman” by George Strait
The Season 23 auditions of ‘American Idol’ continue on Sunday, March 16 on ABC.
More Upcoming Shows on ABC:
Watch the final episode of Season 29 of “The Bachelor” on Monday, March 24 from 8pm to 11pm ET/PT.
“Grey’s Anatomy” continues with its 21st season on ABC.
By Emma Gladstone
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Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
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