The country star is experiencing a full-circle moment, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judging panel for the 23rd season of the show: “Carrie being here has felt so right.”

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood talk about being judges on American Idol, what it was like when Carrie joined the show and how they feel about contestants performing their songs.

Carrie Underwood took some criticism from Lionel Richie on Good Morning America Wednesday when he called her "too nice" on American Idol. The country superstar looked surprised as Richie joked about her always defending contestants.