From Winner to Judge: ‘American Idol’ Takes Fans Back to The Past With a 2005 Clip of Carrie Underwood

It is not new news that Carrie Underwood is set to be a judge on the next season of American Idol. Furthermore, it is also not new news that Underwood herself won the show in 2005. However, what is refreshing is the recent clip American Idol posted prepping fans for the impending season.

American Idol recently banked in on its nostalgia chip and posted a video showing Carrie Underwood’s past and present stint with the show. Particularly, the video shows a 21-year-old Underwood taking the stage for her American Idol audition.

Additionally, the old footage is paired with new footage of Underwood walking through a similar set of doors and making her way to the judge’s table, and not the stage. It is a blast to the past and reminds people that American Idol is a place where dreams are made. And Carrie Underwood is living proof of that fact.

Carrie Underwood & Co.

After taking it all in, Underwood shares the table with her co-judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. In the clip, Underwood states, “I can’t believe it. Twenty years ago I was standing on a stage just like this one.” Richie then replies, “And now you’re sitting here with us,” and Bryan adds, “That’s the power of American Idol.” Lastly, host Ryan Seacrest pops in and says, “So, let’s change some lives together?”

Underwood concludes the segment by staring into the camera and firmly stating, “Let’s do this.” Subsequently, the clip teases moments from the already filmed segments of this season’s episodes. Particularly, it shows a clip of one contestant emotionally praising Carrie Underwood’s influence on her.

The promotional video not only excites fans for this upcoming season but also warmly welcomes home the American Idol alumnus. Also, all things aside, this video is a masterclass in the wholesome commercial marketing America just can’t get enough of. Season 23 of American Idol will premiere on Sunday, March 9 on ABC. Stay tuned to see if Carrie Underwood’s epic return will make as big of a splash as people are expecting.

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ABA