Here’s What Made Carrie Underwood Change Her AMERICAN IDOL Vote

Published: March 18, 2025

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Ryan Seacrest pose for a photo during “American Idol” Season 8 Judges Photo Call on October 02, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Here’s What Made Carrie Underwood Change Her AMERICAN IDOL Vote

By Movieguide® Contributor

Carrie Underwood changed one of her AMERICAN IDOL nos to a yes after she heard contestant Mikaela Bautista sing with her dad.

TODAY reported that Bautista originally auditioned with Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You” during IDOL’s March 16 episode.

“[You] definitely have a lot of potential,” Underwood told Bautista after the initial performance.

“I felt like there might have been a couple of moments where nerves might have kind of crept in a little bit there. Or maybe you’re thinking too hard,” the Grammy award-winner continued. “But you have a lovely voice. I’m trying to figure out if we, you know, can overcome the nerves and whatnot.”

While fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie gave Bautista a yes, Underwood said, “I would like to hear more emotion in it, more connection. It’s a no for me.”

Bautista did not need Underwood’s yes to move on to the live rounds. However, that soon changed when the judges found out Bautista’s father, Vhen, could sing.

Underwood asked the father-daughter duo to perform. They chose to sing Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer.”

After the duo performed, Underwood was impressed with Bautista’s ability to push aside the nerves.

“You weren’t thinking about it. You were just singing,” Underwood said.

“Can I change my judgment? I would like to strike my previous [vote], and you have three yeses,” the judge said.

Bautista posted several photos of her and her golden ticket.

“And the journey begins! Beyond thrilled to share this adventure with you all. Don’t miss a beat – keep tuning in to @AmericanIdol on ABC and witness our Hollywood dreams unfold!” she wrote in the caption.

Over 400 people commented on the video of the audition on YouTube. Some couldn’t believe Underwood said no the first time.

“I couldn’t believe Carrie said NO!!! Glad she changed her vote!!!” one person wrote.

“Of course, she should go to Hollywood. Carrie’s initial vote was puzzling,” another said.