Keith Urban on What Carrie Underwood Brings to ‘American Idol’ that Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Don’t

It may seem like Carrie Underwood has always been a star. But the small-town Oklahoma girl with the big voice stepped onto the American Idol set as a complete unknown. nearly 20 years ago. Now, the best-selling female country artist of all time is returning to where it all began. Underwood will take Katy Perry’s seat at the judging panel, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Here’s why Keith Urban thinks she will bring a missing piece to the long-running reality show.

Keith Urban Says Carrie Underwood Is The “Perfect” Judge For ‘American Idol’

Keith Urban previously served as a judge on American Idol from 2012 to 2016. Prior to that, he was a coach on the Australian iteration of The Voice. So, the “Blue Ain’t Your Color” singer knows a little about what it takes.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Urban expressed excitement for Idol’s pick to replace Katy Perry. “She’s perfect for it,” enthused the multi GRAMMY-winning artist.

Having been a contestant herself, Carrie Underwood can add another layer to the show, Urban said.

“She knows exactly what everybody on the other side of the desk is going through,” he said. “Lionel doesn’t. Luke doesn’t. She’s going to bring something really extraordinary to that seat.”

Lionel Richie has shared similar sentiments about his new colleague. “Now we don’t have to explain anymore, ‘We know how you feel,’” said the “Hello” singer, 75. “As artists, we know how you feel, but we’ve never been in that oval that says, ‘American Idol.’ She’s been there, done that.”

[RELATED: Luke Bryan Advises Carrie Underwood to “Up Her Therapist” in Preparation for ‘American Idol’]

When asked for his advice on how Idol’s newest judge should “handle” Luke Bryan, Urban said simply, “Just be yourself.”

“That’s all you gotta do,” he continued. “She can handle Luke, trust me.”

Keith Urban Surprises Fans With Pop-Up Concert… At Buc-ee’s

Keith Urban had a crazy idea when he visited the Buc-ee’s store in Athens, Alabama, about a month ago: “This would be the perfect spot to do a show.”

So, last Friday (Aug. 15) that’s exactly what he did. The 13-time CMA Award winner performed a full-length concert at Buc-ee’s, according to Setlist.fm, playing more than 20 songs.

Urban raved about the experience Monday (Aug. 19) on social media. “You all exceeded every expectation I could’ve possibly had !!” the country star wrote in an Instagram post.

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