Carrie Underwood Returns to ‘American Idol’ for ‘Southbound’ Performance [WATCH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-YNd-HKk-0

Carrie Underwood celebrated a homecoming of sorts on Sunday night (May 19). The country superstar performed her newest single, "Southbound" during the Season 17 finale of American Idol.

Following performances from all three of the finale's top contestants, Underwood took the stage against a firework-inspired backdrop, decked out in a glittering, sequined dress. In "Southbound"'s second verse, Underwood pulled judge Katy Perry up to her seat to dance along to the infectious summertime anthem. In classic goofball fashion, Luke Bryan joined in, too, popping out in front of Underwood to wave to the crowd.

The show's live audience roared along to the superstar's performance, as neon strobe lights flashed over the stage to complete the summery, party-ready vibes of the show.

After the song, host Ryan Seacrest asked Underwood to think back to her own winning Idol performance in 2005, and asked how she felt before taking the stage that day. "Horrified, scared, nervous, all of the above," Underwood responded with a laugh. "I can only imagine what the contestants are going through. No, I can imagine! I was there!"

Underwood co-wrote "Southbound" with David Garcia and Josh Miller, for her newest album, 2018's Cry Pretty. She was the American Idol Season 4 winner in 2005 and recently launched her 2019 Cry Pretty Tour 360, which will keep her on the road through the fall.

American Idol has been renewed for an 18th season, its third on ABC, after its cancellation by Fox. Specific details for the new season have not yet been revealed.

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https://youtu.be/z2wahRqx2Zk