Carrie Underwood Breaks Down In Tears On ‘American Idol’ As Contestant Who Lost Her Sister To Overdose Auditions: ‘Absolute Trigger On Emotions’

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.

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.