Carrie Underwood jokes about the 'big problem' she'll face as 'American Idol' judge

Carrie Underwood is opening up about her return to "American Idol" as the show's newest judge, telling "Good Morning America" it "feels like going home."

"There's so many people that even still work on the show that were there from when I was a contestant," she said Friday.

Underwood famously competed on -- and won -- season 4 of "American Idol" in 2005, kicking off an iconic career for the country music superstar.

Watch Carrie Underwood perform "Before He Cheats" as part of the "GMA" Summer Concert Series

4:06

Carrie Underwood performs 'Before He Cheats' on 'GMA'

The country star took the stage at our Summer Concert Series to perform her hit from her 2005 debut studio album, "Some Hearts."

"I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I'll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint," she said of how her experience will help her as a judge.

While Underwood is uniquely qualified to join fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, she did admit one one "big problem" she'll have to contend with: "I can't lie."

"I just can't. You can tell," she revealed. "I feel like I'll be very honest, but hopefully I can be very constructive and encouraging."

Editor’s Picks

Ryan Seacrest calls Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' return a 'full-circle moment'

Carrie Underwood shines bright at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala

Who won 'American Idol'? Full list of former winners and runners-up

Future contestants can rest easy knowing Underwood will be a nice judge, as she admitted she won't be too hard on them.

"Just ask my kids," the mom of two -- who shares sons Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5, with husband Mike Fisher -- joked.

Watch Carrie Underwood perform "Last Name" as part of the "GMA" Summer Concert Series

4:43

Carrie Underwood performs 'Last Name' on 'GMA'

The country star kicks off her performance at our Summer Concert Series with one of her biggest hits.

One day after the news of her "Idol" return was exclusively announced on "GMA," the eight-time Grammy winner took part in the "GMA" Summer Concert Series, performing hits from throughout her iconic career.

Underwood performed the songs "Last Name," "Before He Cheats" and "Out of That Truck" to fans in Central Park.

Watch Carrie Underwood perform "Out of That Truck" as part of GMA's Summer Concert Series

3:39

Carrie Underwood performs hit single ‘Out Of That Truck’

The "American Idol" winner closes out her performance for the Summer Concert Series with her song from her most recent album, "Denim and Rhinestones."

The upcoming season of "American Idol," hosted by Ryan Seacrest, returns in spring 2025 on ABC and Hulu.