Yahoo Lifestyle Ryan Seacrest & Carrie Underwood Spill Surprise 'American Idol' News
Season 23 of American Idol hasn't even premiered yet, but fans were introduced to one of the contestants already making an impact on the competition.
The upcoming installment of the ABC series is airing its first episode on March 9, 2025, with Carrie Underwood joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judges' panel. While we'll have to wait and see how Carrie will fare as the newest mentor, she was on hand to help host Ryan Seacrest make a big reveal — and it came about in a way fans likely missed.
Ryan was hosting Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, where Carrie also performed. As the country superstar made her appearance on the annual TV special, she joined Ryan to share a bit about how her experience has been as a judge rather than a contestant on American Idol (she famously won season 4 back in 2005). As part of the on-camera moment, Carrie and Ryan brought out R&B singer Filo and introduced him to folks at home. What's more, he received high praise from Carrie about his audition.
"This guy is so good," Carrie shared about Filo in a clip posted on YouTube. "I cannot wait for you guys to hear him. He's amazing!"
"Thank you so much," Filo replied back. "Meeting you already, and Ryan and Lionel and Luke, it's been the experience of a lifetime. I'm speechless right now."
But that's not all folks learned about Filo. Ryan and Carrie surprised the aspiring artist right there by announcing he'd received a coveted Platinum Ticket — making him one of just three contestants to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week and go straight to the next level of competition. This led Filo to tear up on national TV, along with sharing his surprise about the unexpected move.
"Oh my god! What?" Filo exclaimed. "What just happened? This is insane!"
Naturally, seeing this exchange occur between Ryan, Carrie and Filo had American Idol fans intrigued by what's to come this season.
"Congratulations Filo! This is awesome!" one person wrote in the comments. "@American Idol Filo you earned that Platinum Ticket [I'm] proud of you," another declared. "Congrats, but kinda lets the cat out of the bag as far as the show goes, which hasn't started yet," a different viewer voiced.
If Ryan and Carrie are already sharing surprises like this one, the premiere can't come soon enough!
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