Luke Bryan Jokes NewIdolJudge Carrie Underwood Should 'Up Her Therapist' to 'Deal with' Him and Lionel Richie

Mar. 15, 2025

Luke Bryan; Carrie Underwood.Photo:Disney/Eric McCandless, Debra L Rothenberg/WireImage

Disney/Eric McCandless, Debra L Rothenberg/WireImage

Luke Bryan’s advice for his soon-to-beAmerican Idolcostar,Carrie Underwood? Get therapy — and lots of it.

Ahead of season 23 — which will see the contestant-turned-superstar joining Bryan, 48, andLionel Richieon the judges’ panel — Seattle radio hostGabe Mercerasked the “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” singer if her has any advice for Underwood, and his answer was self-deprecating, to say the least.

The country star took things a step further still, offering to reimburse Underwood for the services.

“Maybe I should credit her,” he added. “Do therapists do gift cards where I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher?”

‘American Idol’ judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan in Los Angeles in May 2018.Allen Berezovsky/Getty

Allen Berezovsky/Getty

It was first announced that Underwood — who won the fourth season ofIdolback in 2005 — isgoing to replace Katy Perry as a judge on the reality singing showonGood Morning Americaon Thursday, Aug. 1.

The announcement emphasized how full-circle the moment is for Underwood with throwback footage of herIdoldebut, which was filmed when she was heading from her hometown in Checotah, Oklahoma to audition for the show two decades ago.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she added.

And, reflecting on the stardom and accolades she’s achieved since — including 28 No. 1 singles and eight Grammys, to name a few — she said, “I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.”

Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’ season 4.Ray Mickshaw/WireImage

Ray Mickshaw/WireImage

In a press release about season 23 ofIdol— which will premiere in spring 2025 — Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group said, “This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts onIdoland launched her successful multi-Grammy Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows of television.”

“This is a full-circle moment both for the show and for audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades,” he continued. “Welcome home Carrie.”

HostRyan Seacrest— who crowned Underwood winner back in 2005 — will return for season 23, along with Bryan and Richie, who first joined the judges' table back in season 16.

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“⭐️REFLECTION of the week: contestant number #14887 received her golden ticket to Hollywood!” she wrote. “I can’t believe it has been almost 20 years since auditioning for @AmericanIdol! #ReflectionOfTheWeek.”

source: people.com