Carrie Underwood showcased a little American Idol energy in paradise on Instagram Monday, January 26, when she posted a playful new photo set from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
The country superstar, 42,— who famously won the show back in 2005 — shared the snaps while casually pointing out moments on the Idol screen. In the photos, Underwood was all smiles as she posed in front of a large television showing scenes from American Idol, cheekily gesturing at the judges onscreen. She leaned fully into the island setting, wearing a golden-toned dress paired with a traditional white lei and a vibrant flower crown dotted with orange and white blooms.
Her long blonde hair fell in loose, beachy waves, while her makeup stayed glowy and camera-ready with fluttery lashes and glossy lips. Gold bangles and statement rings finished off the look, giving the whole moment a vacation polish.
At one point, Underwood stuck out her tongue while pointing at herself the screen, keeping things light and self-aware. She captioned the post, “Just me pointing out some things on #idol! Who’s watching?” — a subtle nod to her full-circle moment as both alum and on-screen presence.
Underwood is a multi-platinum Grammy winner known for hits like “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” and she’s also a dedicated fitness fan who launched her CALIA activewear line in 2015. The singer currently boasts millions of followers and remains one of country music’s most bankable stars.
Fans quickly filled the comments with hearts, fire emojis, and plenty of praise, with one simply writing, “beautiful 
,” while others dropped red hearts in support.
Although “American Idol” fans are only just beginning to meet the contestants of season 24, the show’s judges have already narrowed down the competition behind the scenes, filming the next round in Hawaii.
As the new season premiered on January 26, 2026, host Ryan Seacrest and judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie attended a premiere party at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa, where they schmoozed with a group of influencers who will mentor the remaining contestants for the new Ohana round.
Underwood, wearing a sundress and Hawaiian flower crown, looked relaxed and happy at the premiere party, where she was seen chatting up attendees, pretending to pick her own nose on a TV screen playing the premiere episode, and playfully letting “Dancing With the Stars” pro Sasha Farber dip her.
The party was attended by many of the “industry tastemakers” producers have recruited for a new “Ohana” round taking place with the 30 contestants who’ve excelled through their auditions and Hollywood Week.
According to a release from ABC, those experts — from Rolling Stone co-editor-in-chief Shirley Halperin to Grand Ole Opry’s first female announcer, Kelly Sutton — will provide contestants with the “ultimate focus group,” giving them feedback and guidance before their on-stage, oceanside performances, which Reel News Hawaii reported will be filmed on January 29 and 30.