American Idol Season 23 introduced fans to a new judge sitting next to returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. After Katy Perry decided to leave the show to work on music, she was replaced by country superstar Carrie Underwood.

It’s a full-circle moment for Carrie Underwood, who won Season 4 of American Idol and now finds herself in the judge’s chair—critiquing Idol hopefuls while fully understanding just how nerve-wracking it is to get up on that stage and sing your heart out.

Throughout the reality TV singing competition, Carrie has also reflected on her time on the show 20 years ago. During the April 27th “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” theme night, she opened the episode with a performance of “Alone” by Heart, which was one of her many standout performances from 2005.

Carrie Underwood Sings “Alone” By Heart, The Same Song She Sang 20 Years Ago Competing On American Idol

Carrie Underwood Broke Down Her 2005 Performance On From Idol To Icon Episode 3

On April 27th, American Idol kicked things off with their “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” theme night in which the Top 14 remaining contestants selected songs from a list of artists who were previously inducted. To kick things off, Carrie Underwood walked out on stage to give a powerful performance of “Alone” by Heart. Her performance was extremely meaningful as it was the same song she sang on the Idol stage 20 years ago.

As fans of American Idol might remember, Carrie chose to sing “Heart” during one of her live performances in 2005. Before taking the stage, the then-21-year-old Carrie shared that she took a leap of faith with the song: “I’m singing the song “Alone” by Heart. Throughout this entire competition, I’ve kind of been the country singer and I wanted to take a risk and break out of my shell a little bit so I thought I’d sing an 80’s rock song.”

In Episode 3 of From Idol to Icon, Carrie looked back at her 2005 performance, reminiscing about her journey and how she made a bold move with the song choice.

“Song choice is so difficult when you are doing something like this because just as much as people are listening to you sing it, they’re thinking about the original song,” Carrie said.

The Season 23 judge wanted to “throw caution to the wind” because she no longer wanted to “play it safe.” However, she admitted that back then, she was unsure how judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson would react, confessing, “They might not like me singing this song,” since it wasn’t her typical country style. The risk definitely paid off, 80’s hair and all.

Simon Cowell Predicted Carrie Would Win American Idol Season 4 After Her Outstanding Performance

Simon Cowell Was Right About Carrie Being The Most Successful American Idol Winner

Carrie Underwood took a major risk when she stepped out of her country shoes to put a spin on a pop classic while competing on Season 4 of American Idol. She sang her heart out in front of a live audience as well as judges Simon, Paula, and Randy, knowing full well that Simon, in particular, had a reputation for being a tough critic.

“Carrie, I think this is one of your best performances yet, man. You were unbelievable. Carrie has finally come alive. I like the hair, too man,” Randy told Carrie. Paula shared, “I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart on this video, and talk about taking risks. This is what I’m talking about. To take on Ann and Nancy Wilson brilliantly, my hat is off to you. Congratulations.”

However, it was Simon’s critique that would stand out the most. Not only did he predict that Carrie would win Season 4 after her performance of “Alone,” she would also go on to become the most successful Idol winner. Now, 20 years later, he was exactly right.

Her powerful rendition of Heart’s “Alone” would go on to be remembered not only as one of Carrie’s standout performances during her Idol journey, but as one of the most iconic in the show’s history.

Looking back at Simon’s words on the From Idol to Icon episode, Carrie said, “What an incredible prediction. From me thinking I’m going to sing this song, ‘Oh my Gosh, they are probably going to hate it, but I’m going to do it anyway,’ and then to get that reaction. On one hand I think I thought at the time, this is amazing, and then about five second later I thought,’ I have a target on my back now. Everybody’s going to hate me.'”

American Idol Fans Are Loving Carrie As Judge

Carrie Has Proven To Be Highly Knowledgeable In All Music Genres

As American Idol Season 23 narrows down its competition, fans mostly agree that Carrie has been doing an outstanding job as the newly appointed judge alongside Luke and Lionel. After reality TV fans were skeptical that Carrie would showcase favoritism to country artists, she’s proven them all wrong. In fact, Carrie has shown throughout Season 23 that she has a vast knowledge of all music genres. Did you see her singing along with a contestant who auditioned with metal band Korn’s “Freak on a Leash?”

Most fans even admitted that they preferred Carrie to Katy. The “I Kissed A Girl” singer was a judge on Idol for seven seasons.

“I think she’s doing great. I like how she gives the singers her full attention and relates to the process with them. Katy wanted to make every moment about herself,” a Reddit user wrote in a thread discussing Carrie’s performance as this season’s judge. “I agree and I do love Katy but I almost feel like with Carrie we are also seeing more of Luke and Lionel’s personalities this season too. Katy was kinda front and center and now it feels like the judges are more evenly spread out,” another use wrote in a Reddit thread.

“I love that she sings along with some of them. I love that she completely understands what they are going through and gives good advice. She has love and compassion for all. Huge thumbs up from me,” another fan wrote.