Imagine a school that has produced 18 Grammys and 65 Platinum records over 24 seasons. American Idol is now calling itself Idol University to celebrate this massive legacy. The 2026 season starts with a fun look at this “School of Stars” on January 26. Carrie Underwood is the ultimate success story and now returns to help lead the new class.
In this new promo, Carrie Underwood wears a blue varsity jacket while touring a campus filled with musical history. She walked these halls as a student in 2005, and now she stands as a professor of success. The judges even find a statue of Clay Aiken that unexpectedly winks at them. It is a funny moment that shows how much this show feels like a big family.
This is the season everyone will talk about.
Fans are jumping with joy to see their favorite winners back in the spotlight. One viewer said that Carrie is the perfect example of what hard work can do. Another fan wrote that seeing the old stars makes them want to watch the new ones even more.
The funny moments in the hallway lead us to a much more serious and beautiful scene. Carrie shifts from being a playful teacher in a jacket to a vocal powerhouse on the main stage. She proves that the lessons learned at Idol-U stay with you forever. Her latest guest performance is the best way to show the new students what they should aim for.
Carrie Underwood Praises with “How Great Thou Art!”
Carrie stands alone under the lights to sing “How Great Thou Art,” and it is purely magic. She hits high notes that have the whole audience standing and cheering. There is no doubt that she is one of the greatest to ever step on that stage.
Carrie Underwood has a special gift that connects with people all over the world. She went from a nervous girl at an audition to a queen of country music. Follow Carrie Underwood on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You will love seeing where her voice takes her next.