Nashville, Tennessee — Carrie Underwood is bidding farewell to her debut season as a judge on “American Idol” on May 18, marking a significant return to the show that propelled her career two decades ago. Underwood, who won Season 4 in 2005, stepped into her judging role on March 9 alongside seasoned panelists Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Her transformation from contestant to judge has been celebrated for its flair and fashion, offering viewers a dazzling series of looks throughout the season.
“I absolutely love fashion and getting to play dress-up for my job,” Underwood shared in a recent conversation, as she reflected on her journey back to the show. The country music star collaborated closely with stylists Marina Toybina and Courtney Webster to curate an impressive wardrobe that blended comfort, functionality, and style, featuring gowns, suits, and minidresses.
Toybina and Webster noted that dressing for “American Idol” felt like a natural extension of their work with Underwood. Each look was designed to showcase her strength and charisma, using an editorial approach suited for the show’s intimate setting. “Every choice was intentional,” they explained, emphasizing how important it was to maintain the authenticity that Underwood is known for.
Throughout the season, Underwood honored her roots by revisiting elements from her early years on the show. For instance, she celebrated her iconic finale dress and a jacket worn during her performance of “Alone.” By including nods to her past, like the hot pink cape dress from the season premiere that mirrored her original audition outfit, she left a meaningful imprint on the competition.
According to Underwood, the evolution of her style has been notable since her time as a contestant. “Back then, we were wearing our own clothes, and we had a modest wardrobe budget. I always wanted to be comfortable, but I was able to experiment a bit with looks and hairstyles,” she said. This connection to her past is not just sentimental; it serves as a reminder of the journey she has undergone in her career.
The show’s stylists expressed their own nostalgia while working with Underwood’s archival pieces. “Watching her step back into those moments reminded us how far she’s come and how grounded she remains,” they remarked, highlighting the significance of her return to the show.
Underwood and her styling team embraced a bold creative vision each week, balancing thematic elements with her established style. Despite some behind-the-scenes wardrobe mishaps, the team managed to create stunning looks without major incidents, thanks to careful preparation and collaboration.
Preparing a diverse selection of outfits required months of planning, with fittings organized around Underwood’s busy schedule. The stylists worked to ensure every detail was perfect before each episode, keeping her evolving aesthetic in mind. Underwood’s collaborative spirit made the creative process enjoyable for all involved, as they crafted looks together with intentional flair.
Underwood noted several standout outfits from the season, including a custom Levi’s kilt and leather jacket for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode and a breathtaking gown for an Easter performance of “How Great Thou Art.” The artistic silhouette and intricate beading of one dress, worn during the “Iconic Women” episode, particularly stood out to her stylists.
The finale of “American Idol” air on May 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, promising to be a spectacle as Underwood gives her final performance as a judge this season.
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