A new season of American Idol is underway, with Carrie Underwood now sitting in the seat once occupied by former judge Katy Perry. It’s a full-circle moment for the “Before He Cheats” songstress, whose season 4 win launched her wildly successful country music career 20 years ago. Currently, Underwood and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie face the nearly impossible task of deciding which artists to send to Hollywood and which ones to send packing. Here’s how you can watch American Idol season 23 tonight (Sunday, March 16.)
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Is ‘American Idol’ On Tonight?
Yes, a new episode of American Idol premieres Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC. Auditions continue in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, with judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan whittling down the competition for Hollywood Week.
Viewers can catch the episode live on ABC or stream it the following day on Hulu. Those without cable also have several options, including DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV.
[RELATED: Carrie Underwood Takes to Social Media, Breaks Silence on Her ‘American Idol’ Debut]
Likely, fans can expect more tears from Carrie Underwood. The “Cry Pretty” singer’s emotions overcame her several times during the premiere. One of those times came when she watched contestant Breanna Nix deliver her rendition of Underwood’s debut single, “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
Underwood held Nix’s son, Emerson, on her lap as the Texas-based singer gave it her all onstage. The little boy drifted off to sleep, lulled into serenity by the sound of his mom’s voice.
“You OK over there?” Bryan asked his newest colleague.
“I’m sorry — he’s just adorable and sweet, and I just … it got to me,” Underwood replied.
‘Idol’ Showrunner Talks “New Era,” Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance
When Katy Perry announced her exit from American Idol last year, “all roads led to Carrie,” showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick recently told The Wrap.
“Katy was a huge cornerstone of ‘American Idol’ as far as a presence and a personality, so you can never replace her — it’s just a new era of the show,” Michaels Wolflick said.
Underwood brings a contestant’s perspective to the judging table, something Michaels Wolflick said the show previously lacked.
‘That firsthand experience is something that any other judge who’s ever been on the show can talk for years about what it’s like to stand on the oval, though they don’t know,” she said.
In January, Underwood made headlines when she performed “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. As far as Michaels Wolflick is concerned, “That was her decision,” she said.
Featured image by Mike Coppola/Getty Images
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