Luke Bryan Advises Carrie Underwood to “Up Her Therapist” in Preparation for ‘American Idol’

It’s official—Luke Bryan will return for his eighth season of American Idol. And he and fellow returnee Lionel Richie will welcome a new face to the Idol judging panel. Katy Perry stepped away in May after seven seasons, leaving fans to wildly speculate about her replacement. Now, we know that season 4 champion Carrie Underwood is coming home. And the “Mind of a Country Boy” singer has some words of wisdom—more like a warning, actually—to share with his new colleague.

Luke Bryan Welcomes Carrie Underwood to ‘American Idol’

American Idol officially confirmed Thursday (Aug. 1) that Carrie Underwood was next in line for Katy Perry’s throne. Later that day, Luke Bryan posted a warm social media welcome to the “Before He Cheats” singer.

“Hey @carrieunderwood, @lionelrichie, and @ryanseacrest, this is gonna be one of the most amazin’ seasons EVER!” the five-time Entertainer of the Year wrote on Instagram. “P.S. Carrie, the view is different from the desk, you’re gonna love it!”

Speaking with Audacy’s 100.7 The Wolf, Bryan offered some insight as to what’s in store for Underwood on Idol.

“If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double [up] to deal with me and Lionel,” said the “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” hitmaker.

“Do therapists do gift cards?” he continued. “I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher.”

Richie has also previously noted that Perry’s replacement would require a thick skin to sit beside himself and Bryan. “Finding someone to replace Katy with a sense of humor, it’s gotta be fun but no ego because we’re gonna insult each other so much,” the “Hello” singer, 75, told Today in April.

What Kind of Judge Will Carrie Underwood Be?

American Idol fans can’t wait to see Carrie Underwood take her rightful place beside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. But what should future Idol hopefuls expect from the 17-time AMA Award winner?

“I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint,” Underwood recently told ABC News Radio.

Aspiring singers should also brace themselves for unfiltered honestly, as the “Cowboy Casanova” singer admitted she “just can’t” lie.

“You can tell,” she said. “I feel like I’ll be very honest, but hopefully I can be very constructive and encouraging.”