Carrie Underwood Almost Walked Away from Idol—What Stopped Her at the Airport

Long before she became one of country music’s brightest stars, Carrie Underwood was a small-town girl facing the biggest decision of her life. In the summer of 2004, just 21 years old, Underwood was preparing to fly from her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma, to Hollywood for American Idol’s callback rounds. She’d auditioned on a whim, performing Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” in St. Louis, but now the reality of competing on national television was sinking in. Overwhelmed by the prospect of leaving the only world she’d ever known, Underwood almost didn’t board the plane.

According to Underwood’s recollections in interviews, the drive to the airport was filled with hesitation. In fact, she admits it wasn’t her own resolve that got her onto that flight—it was her dad’s. Sensing her nerves, he turned to her before she stepped out of the car and said, “Carrie, we can go home right now, and we don’t ever have to talk about it again.” It was his way of reminding her that the decision was entirely hers. After a long pause, Underwood took a deep breath and answered, “No, I’ll go.” That moment—just outside the airport—became a turning point. Instead of walking away from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she faced her fears head-on.

In later interviews, Underwood described her time on American Idol as “horrifying” in the beginning. She was thrust into a whirlwind schedule of rehearsals, live performances, and media appearances, all while being far from the comforts of home. In her small town, she’d grown up without cable TV or a fast-paced lifestyle, making Hollywood’s spotlight feel particularly intimidating. Homesickness loomed large. She kept a journal, writing late at night to remind herself that this journey was one she’d chosen and dreamed of since she was a little girl. Her words, later shared in a video, reveal her determination: “I just have to keep in mind that it will all be worth it, and the life that I have started will be great.”

Though she faced immense emotional hurdles, her talent consistently carried her through. She never landed in the bottom during weekly eliminations and quickly emerged as a fan favorite. Simon Cowell predicted early on that she would not only win but also surpass previous winners in success—a prophecy that ultimately came true.

The hardest thing she overcame wasn’t a vocal challenge or a critique from the judges. It wasn’t the pressure of singing live in front of millions or standing out among talented competitors. For Underwood, the toughest battle happened before she ever stepped on the Idol stage. It was the battle within—the fear of stepping into the unknown, of leaving behind her family and everything familiar. By choosing to get on that plane, she set herself on a path that would lead to Grammy Awards, sold-out tours, and a legacy as one of music’s most beloved voices.

In her dad’s simple words—“We can go home right now”—Underwood found the strength to make the choice that changed her life.