During the Season 23 premiere of American Idol on March 9, fans witnessed a surprising and tender moment from new judge Carrie Underwood. As aspiring singer Breanna Nix performed “Jesus Take the Wheel” — the very song that skyrocketed Carrie to fame — her young son curled up in Carrie’s lap mid-audition.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Carrie teared up.
“I’m sorry, he’s just adorable. It’s sweet… It got to me,” she said, wiping away tears.
It was a touching moment that clearly made her miss her own family — sons Isaiah (10) and Jacob (6), and husband Mike Fisher — who remained in Nashville while she films across New York, L.A., and Hollywood.
How Carrie and Mike Keep Their Marriage Strong Despite the Distance
While her hectic filming schedule (plus the final shows of her Las Vegas residency) has her spending more time away than ever, Carrie and Mike have a system — and it’s working.
“They never go more than a week without seeing each other and FaceTime every night,” a source close to the couple shared.
“They’re fighters. They trust each other deeply. Carrie doesn’t need constant reassurance, and Mike isn’t the jealous type.”
The couple, married since 2010, leans heavily on their faith during tough times.
“They’re not afraid to ask for support from their church community. When things get tough, they always lean on their faith.”
Still, some friends worry that Carrie’s career-focused drive might be taking a toll. With a net worth over $100 million, some wonder if she really needs to work this hard. But those who know her say that with her working-class roots, saying no to a big opportunity is never easy.
“Mike admires her work ethic,” says the insider. “But he probably wishes she’d slow down sometimes.”
Next Stop: Country Calling Festival 2025!
Carrie Underwood fans, mark your calendars! The Country Calling Festival is making its return to Ocean City, Maryland, from October 3–5, 2025, and Carrie is headlining the opening night!
Joining her on Friday, Oct. 3, are country legends Brooks & Dunn, along with Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice, LeAnn Rimes, and many more.
On Saturday and Sunday, Luke Bryan and Luke Combs will headline, with additional performances from Wynonna Judd, Gabby Barrett, The Band Perry, and over 35 artists across three stages.
Final Thoughts
From wiping away tears on American Idol to preparing for one of the biggest country festivals of the year, Carrie Underwood proves she’s not just a superstar — she’s a devoted mom, a loving wife, and a woman of unshakable faith. Whether she’s mentoring rising talent or lighting up the stage herself, her heart shines just as brightly as her voice.
