Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol continues to deliver emotional moments, as a new preview from Season 24 shows the country star moved to tears by a heartfelt audition centered on motherhood and mental health.

Carrie Underwood’s Full-Circle Return to American Idol

More than 20 years after winning the competition, Carrie Underwood joined American Idol in 2025 as a judge, sitting alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. From the start of the season, Underwood’s comeback has been both symbolic and deeply personal.

Despite joking early on that she is “not a cryer,” Underwood has been visibly emotional throughout the judging process, particularly during performances tied to family, faith, and resilience.

Preview Shows Another Tearful Moment in Season 24

In a newly released preview for American Idol Season 24, Underwood is seen wiping away tears after listening to an original song performed by Hannah Harper, a stay-at-home mother of three.

Harper shared with the judges that she experienced postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child. She said the song was written during an overwhelming moment at home, when all three of her sons were crying and she turned to prayer for comfort and clarity.

The raw honesty of the performance appeared to resonate immediately with Underwood.

A Song That Struck Close to Home

Underwood, who is also a mother of two boys, told Harper that the song was one of the most relatable she had ever heard on the show. The moment carried added weight given Underwood’s past openness about her own postpartum struggles after welcoming her second child in 2019.

At the time, Underwood spoke publicly about the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood, including feeling pressure to “bounce back” and frustration with her body during recovery. That experience has shaped how she connects with contestants whose stories extend beyond the stage.

Emotional Moments Becoming a Theme This Season

The preview follows earlier standout moments from the season, including Underwood’s emotional reaction to auditions from parents balancing music and family life, as well as faith-driven performances such as a Hollywood Week duet of “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake.

As American Idol Season 24 unfolds, Underwood’s judging debut is proving to be defined not just by musical critique, but by empathy and shared life experience, adding a deeper emotional layer to the competition.

Watch a clip of Hannah’s audition below.

 

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