Carrie Underwood Tears Up During ‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Performance

Carrie Underwood was visibly moved during a contestant’s performance on the latest episode of American Idol. During Monday night’s (March 9) episode, contestant Keyla Richardson performed “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri during the show’s Ohana Round, prompting an emotional reaction from the judge. “To have the gift of watching you and getting to watch him,” Underwood said of Richardson’s son.

“When I’m on stage and my boys are out there, I don’t know what they’re doing. And I feel like I just got a glimpse of what they might be doing when I’m on stage, and it just made my mama heart so happy.” Underwood shares two sons — Isaiah, 11, and Jacob, 7 — with former NHL player Mike Fisher.

The episode featured the show’s first Ohana Round of the season, where contestants perform for judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie alongside family members, peers and industry professionals. Underwood also offered encouragement to several contestants who struggled emotionally during their performances. Singer Sheldon Riley became overwhelmed during his rendition of Patrick Watson’s “To Build a Home,” apologizing to...