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.
Richardson, a 29-year-old singer from Pensacola, Fla., delivered the performance while her young son Drew watched from the audience, smiling and mouthing the lyrics. The moment resonated with Underwood, who became teary while offering feedback.
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“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.”
She added, “Your talent is limitless.”
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 the audience after becoming emotional mid-performance. Underwood praised his vocal ability while urging him not to hold back.
“You have so much talent and power and range in your vocals,” she told Riley. “I feel like your brain just gets in the way. You’re building up walls in front of us every time you sing — but you don’t need to do that. You’re enough.”
Another contestant, Chloe Lauren, momentarily lost her place during a performance of Adele’s “Hello.” Underwood encouraged her to continue singing and praised the way she recovered.
“You’re here because we love your voice,” Underwood said. “It’s not about the little things that can go wrong during a performance. It’s how you finish strong.”
At the end of the episode, the judges narrowed the field to the season’s top 20 contestants. Richardson ultimately advanced to the next round, though she was the final contestant announced.
American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.