Luke Bryan offers ‘American Idol’ advice to new judge Carrie Underwood

Luke Bryan has a piece of advice for Carrie Underwood.

Luke is lending his support to Carrie as she takes on her new role as a judge on American Idol. The former Idol winner is joining Luke on the panel for the upcoming season, and he’s sharing insights as she settles into the job.

“The thing about it is Carrie has to kind of learn in real time,” Luke told E! News at the CMA Awards on Nov. 20, held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

“You kind of have to learn how to be a judge. It’s not like you can go to American Idol Judging School.”

Reflecting on her unique experience as a contestant in the past, Luke added, “She went to American Idol Be A Contestant School.”

Despite being new to the judging table, Carrie, who shares sons Isaiah Michael, 9, and Jacob Bryan, 5, with husband Mike Fisher, is already making a positive impression.

“She’s awesome with the kids,” Luke said. “She has the best soul and heart. She’s doing a great job and really settling into the judging table.”

Still, there are challenges for Carrie, especially when it comes to delivering the bad news to contestants.

“When she has to say ‘No,’ she’s like, ‘I don’t wanna tell them no,’” Luke shared. “But it’s kind of a part [of the job]. It’s hard when you got a kid that’s young and they haven’t found who they are musically.”