We’re only a few episodes in to the 23rd season of America Idol and Carrie Underwood is already in tears over the contestants. Country singer Samantha Ray sang her own rendition of “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack in honor of her late sister whom she used to harmonize with. The experience brought judge Carrie Underwood to tears—keep reading to learn more.
Carrie Underwood Gets Emotional
Just before beginning her song, Samantha Ray explained that she chose this song in particular because she and her sister used to harmonize to it. Then, when she finished her performance of the moving song, judge Luke Bryan asked her, “What were you thinking about when you sang that?”
“I was thinking about my sister a lot,” Samantha Ray explained. “Earlier this year in February, I lost her to a drug overdose. Losing her hurts a lot because she was a year younger than me; we were very close. She had two little boys, and knowing they don’t have their mom anymore is really heartbreaking. So I’m here for her.”
Underwood’s reaction was certainly emotional: “I’m teary-eyed,” she said, before complimenting the singer on her storytelling ability and telling her it’s an absolute “yes” from her.
Fan Reactions
A clip of Samantha Ray's audition was posted to YouTube, and the comment section is filled with reactions like Carrie's. "She's a standout," one person wrote. "She has the 80s/90s country sound, and her rendition of that special song took me back to the days when my mom was still alive. And then I couldn't help but shed a few tears after hearing about her sister. I hope she goes far in this competition and beyond."
"May I never take on single breath for granted!" another person reacted.
"Samantha, I am so sorry for your devastating loss," another person wrote. "Carrie holding it together better than I am—blubbering mess over here!"
"Addition is brutal," a final person said. "It affects the entire family. my heart goes out to her."
