American Idol will return to television later this month, and ahead of the new season, Luke Bryan called out Carrie Underwood‘s standout work ethic and professionalism behind the scenes.
Bryan was a guest with Cody Alan on SiriusXM The Highway where he dove into some behind-the-scenes facts from Idol that the average person wouldn’t know.
The “Down to One” singer gushed about Underwood, saying, “Well, you know, the thing you learn about Carrie Underwood is that she is the most on-time person you have ever met.”
What Did Luke Bryan Say About Carrie Underwood?
Bryan continued, “I’m talking about punctual, dialed in, professional. I mean, one minute early — like Bill Belichick taught her how to show up on time.”
He went on to explain, “I’m in my dressing room and I’m feeling pretty good. Then I look up at the monitor to see who’s already in the chair. Let’s say it’s 9:03 — and there’s Carrie, ready to go, just sitting there looking at her nails.”
When Does American Idol Start?
American Idol Season 24 kicks off in 2026, premiering Monday, Jan. 26, on ABC. Episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu.
Read More: Luke Bryan Reveals What He’s Learned About Carrie Underwood
Back in August, I also spoke with Bryan about Underwood’s role on Idol. At the time, he said he was still getting to know her, but noted that he was already close friends with her husband, Mike Fisher.
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Mike Fisher
“Me and [my wife] Caroline and Mike and Carrie, you know, we’re not having cookouts or anything,” he says, “… but me and Mike, we actually get to fish and golf and do some hunting together.”
Read More: Blake Shelton Has a Big One on His Hunting + Fishing Bucket List
36 Photos of Carrie Underwood Young
Carrie Underwood is undeniably one of the most popular musicians on the planet, with a quick rise to stardom after winning American Idol in 2005. Eight Grammys and countless ACM and CMA Awards later, Underwood is still releasing music and touring. Let’s take a look at Carrie Underwood when she was young, before we met her and when we first got to know this star.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul
34 Pictures of Luke Bryan Young
Luke Bryan has been a force in country music pretty much since he arrived in Nashville in 2005. “All My Friends Say” started the fire for him as a solo artist — and the rest is history. Let’s take a walk through time with 34 pictures of Luke Bryan young.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul

