After the Oscars Sunday night (March 2) ABC aired a 30 minute American Idol season 23 preview that previewed three hopeful contestants. Luckily, the Oscars only ran about 20 minutes late, allowing the episode to begin at a reasonable hour!

The preview not only offered a look at a few hopeful singers, but also gave fans a look at new judge Carrie Underwood, who sits beside veterans Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. She managed to articulate well thought out critiques and thankfully wasn’t stiff or uncomfortable looking.

Notably, the second audition of the night should be familiar to The Voice fans. Thunderstorm Artis finished in 3rd place on The Voice 18 for Team Nick Jonas. Unfortunately, the season occurred in Spring 2020 when COVID shut down film production everywhere. Thunderstorm never got the opportunity to step onto a live stage and perform.

Coming on the heels of the Oscar telecast, the show opens with a movie theme. “An Idol To Remember” flashes across the screen in fancy script as the judges make their way to the studio in New York City. The East Coast city is one of three audition spots which also include Nashville and Los Angeles. When the judges arrive at the studio, host Ryan Seacrest greets them. He dubs season 23 “A brand new era.”

Carrie is sporting a bright pink ensemble that recalls her outfit from her own audition 20 years ago in 2005. “Not only will you win this show, but will sell more records than anyone on the show,” Simon Cowell predicted correctly at the time. Check out the auditions below!

Sonny Tennet – Easy by The Commodores

Luke thinks Sonny is Australian. But no, his thick accent originates from Northern England where he is from. Nervy, he sings one of Lionel’s massive hits with the Commodores, “Easy.” Sonny performs the song soulfully, in the tradition of blue-eyed British crooners like fellow redhead Manchester’s Mick Hucknall of Simply Red.

Lionel is impressed. “You made my song your song. Beautifully done,” he says. Carrie adds, “You looked joyous…perfect song choice.” Luke says, “Timeless song, you sang it in a timeless way.” After, he brings in “me girlfriend” to meet the judges. All three judges agree. Sonny is going to Hollywood. – 3 yeses

Next, it’s a montage of faces that will become familiar to fans as the season progresses. Plenty of great singers and lots of emotional backstories (of course!) are previewed here. “Twenty years ago Idol changed my life,” observes Carrie, “Now I have the chance to help people change theirs.” Plus…pranks!

Thunderstorm Artis – 28 – Don’t Let Me Let You Go (Original)

Thunderstorm Artis, who previously competed on The Voice 18 and came in 3rd place, is originally from Hawaii. But currently he lives in Nashville, where his audition took place, with his wife and two kids. He sings an original song–a thing he could NOT have done on The Voice, which only allows artists to sing covers. However, like he was on his previous singing show, Thunderstorm is a powerful presence on stage, as he accompanies himself on acoustic guitar.

“Hallelujah” cries Lionel. Carrie loves his songwriting, “You’ve got that growl at the top,” she observes. She calls the song, which he wrote about the complicated nature of relationships, “relatable” and compliments Thunderstorm saying, “Well done, thank you.” Lionel adds, “You jumped all the way out.” Luke says, “Thank you for your talent.” Thunderstorm receives a ticket to Hollywood – 3 yeses.

Amanda Barise – 26 – It’s a Man’s World by James Brown

The singer, from Manhattan, could walk to her audition! Her tone is sweet as could be, but don’t let that fool you. Powerful vocals underpin her lovely tone. Her notes are so big by the end of the performance, the judges are on their feet. “Oh gosh,” Lionel says, shocked.

“That’s what we call a possession,” Lionel explains to Carrie. “That was absolutely amazing.” Carrie compliments Amanda’s “pocket” she adds, “That was perfection.” Luke compares the performance to being hit by a paintball gun. Amanda is on her way to Hollywood! – 3 yeses

American Idol season 23 premieres Sunday March 9 at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC, streaming on Hulu next day.