2s.Carrie Underwood Reflects on Two Decades of Growth: “I Feel Like I’ve Gotten Better, Slightly Better”
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Carrie Underwood recently opened up about her journey over the past 20 years, candidly reflecting on her slow but steady growth in confidence—especially when it comes to being on camera. While the powerhouse singer has long captivated audiences with her voice, she admits that speaking and being in front of cameras has never come as naturally.
In a heartfelt conversation with Cody Alan on SiriusXM’s The Highway Highway Mornings show, Carrie shared her honest feelings about the challenges she still faces. “I’m not great at that, am I?” she asked, referring to her on-camera presence. “In general, I feel like I’m such a private person, and I get on stage and I love to sing—it’s one of my favorite things to do. [But] I’m like, ‘Dear lord, please don’t let me talk.’”
Despite nearly two decades in the spotlight, the “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer acknowledges that she’s only slightly improved her comfort in front of the camera. “I feel like I’ve gotten better in 20 years; I’m slightly better than I used to be,” she admitted. “But I’ve just never been great at putting down the walls and just feeling like I could be myself.”
Carrie credits her recent return to American Idol—the show that launched her career—as a key factor in easing some of that anxiety. “There’s so much about that show—there [are] people that work there that literally worked there 20 years ago; we’ve all grown up together,” she reflected. “I’ve known them for that long and been on the show throughout the years, so I get to see them periodically—I’ve known Luke for a long time; Lionel’s a sweetheart— [and] it’s such a good environment that it just feels like a safe space.”
Underwood returned to American Idol as a judge for Season 23 in March 2025, joining fellow coaches Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest. She was part of the journey through the finale in May, when Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner. Carrie is set to continue in this role for Season 24, premiering in spring 2026.
As she continues to balance her iconic singing career with her role as a mentor on one of television’s most beloved talent shows, Carrie Underwood’s reflections offer a glimpse into the quiet resilience behind her powerhouse performances—a reminder that growth is often a gradual, ongoing process, even for stars at the top of their game.
