Carrie Underwood Gets Candid Over “Extremely Tough” ‘American Idol’ Decision: “I Don’t Want To Be Put in That Position Again”

Celebrating the Easter holiday with a special “Songs of Faith” episode, American Idol continued its journey to find the next hit singer. With Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan welcoming Carrie Underwood back as a judge, the country star felt right at home as she offered advice to the contestants.

At the same time, Underwood constantly remembered her time on the show and the stress the competition put on her. With the Top 14 announced, the contestants prepared for another round of cuts. But for Underwood, she recently discussed the one part of the show she never wanted to do.

Moving into the live shows, Underwood, Bryan, and Richie watched as viewers at home cast their votes for their favorite singers. Having no say in the voting process, the Top 20 was narrowed down to the Top 10. While voters watched as some of their favorite singers went home, the judges had the chance to save four singers from elimination.

Holding such power in her hands, Underwood insisted in an interview with ET Online, “I don’t take it lightly that we have people’s futures in our hands, and I really would like just America to vote. I don’t want to be put in that position again, so it’s up to you guys. You have to vote for your favorites. Please.”

Urging fans to get out and vote for the next American Idol, Underwood shared the amount of stress the moment brought. “My night was paling in comparison to the contestants that are no longer part of the competition, but it was an extremely tough spot to be in. I really wanted to just pass the buck on to Luke and Lionel, but I feel like we were on the same page.”

The Singers Who Still Have A Chance At ‘American Idol’ Glory

While Underwood didn’t want to make such a tough decision about a singer’s future, it was part of the job. And at the end, the judges decided to save Josh King, Desmond Roberts, Amanda Barise, and Che. The contestants joined the remaining singers Kolbi Jordan, Thunderstorm Artis, Filo, John Foster, Mattie Pruitt, Canaan James Hill, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, Slater Nalley, and Gabby Samone.

As for the singers who went home, they included Olivier Bergeron, Drew Ryn, Isaiah Misailegalu, Victor Solomon, Zaylie Windsor, and Baylee Littrell. With the competition heating up, don’t miss a new episode of American Idol, airing on Sundays and Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

(Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images)