Nearly 21 years after her groundbreaking victory on “American Idol,” country superstar Carrie Underwood has opened up about the one thing she would change if she could revisit her winning season in 2005: she wishes she had taken more photographs and preserved more mementos from the life-changing experience.

In a recent interview with Billboard published in early March 2026, Underwood, now a judge on the show alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, reflected candidly on her Season 4 journey. When asked what she would alter about that transformative time, the singer expressed frustration over her lack of documentation during the whirlwind of auditions, Hollywood Week, performances and the finale.

“I’m very angry with myself because when I was on the show, I wasn’t taking any pictures,” Underwood told Billboard. “I’m thinking, ‘Why? Why didn’t you do that? Why didn’t you save these things?’”

She recounted a poignant encounter that underscored her regret. A fan approached her with a pair of jeans Underwood had worn during the competition. “We had a girl come in that had a pair of jeans that I wore on the show, and she told me, ‘My grandpa bought these at a charity auction and I wore them on the show,’” Underwood recalled. “And I asked, ‘Can I buy them back from you?’ Why did I let them go? Why didn’t I keep more things and just document things a little better?”

The admission highlights a common hindsight reflection for many who lived through pre-social media eras. In 2005, smartphones with high-quality cameras were not ubiquitous, and platforms like Instagram did not exist to encourage constant capturing and sharing of moments. Underwood, then a 21-year-old college student from Checotah, Oklahoma, was focused on the intense competition rather than archiving souvenirs.

Her Season 4 triumph remains one of the show’s most successful stories. After auditioning with a rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” Underwood advanced through grueling rounds, delivering standout performances including Heart’s “Alone,” the Rolling Stones’ “Undo It” (wait, no—actually hits like “Alone,” “Independence Day” and her finale duet). She won the competition on May 25, 2005, over runner-up Bo Bice, becoming the first country artist to claim the title and launching a career with over 85 million records sold worldwide, eight Grammy Awards, 28 No. 1 singles and induction into the Grand Ole Opry.

Underwood’s return to “American Idol” as a judge for recent seasons—including Season 23 in 2025 and ongoing into 2026—has brought her full circle. The role allows her to mentor contestants while drawing on her own experiences. Recent episodes have featured emotional segments like “Idol to Icon,” where Underwood tearfully revisited her 2005 win, reading from her old journal and reliving the moment Ryan Seacrest announced her victory. In one clip, she described the seconds before the reveal as a blur of emotions, with her “whole life flashing before my eyes.”

Fellow judge Luke Bryan shared his own reflection in the same Billboard conversation, saying he would have “cherished more moments” with late contestant Willie Spence, who competed in Season 20 and passed away in 2022.

Underwood’s regret over memorabilia contrasts with her proactive efforts to honor the show’s legacy. She famously re-wore her 2005 finale dress during a judging stint, evoking nostalgia for fans. The “Idol to Icon” digital series provides behind-the-scenes insights, with Underwood sharing journal entries from two decades ago that emphasize perseverance and gratitude.

As “American Idol” continues its 2026 run on ABC, Underwood’s direct judging style has sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers have criticized her critiques as harsh, leading to occasional boos from the audience and online debates. In response to backlash, Underwood has remained unapologetic, focusing on constructive feedback to help contestants grow—much like the tough love she received early in her career.

Despite occasional controversy, her presence brings authenticity to the panel. Having transitioned from small-town hopeful to global icon, Underwood offers perspective few can match. Her post-Idol success includes multiplatinum albums like “Some Hearts” (2005), which spawned hits “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” and ventures into musical theater, Vegas residencies and family life with husband Mike Fisher and their two sons.

The Billboard interview arrives amid a reflective period for the franchise, now in its 24th season (counting revivals). With Underwood back on the panel, conversations often circle back to her origins, reinforcing the show’s enduring impact.

Underwood’s candid admission serves as a reminder that even superstars have “what if” moments. While she can’t reclaim lost photos or auctioned jeans, her story—from overlooked outfits to sold-out arenas—illustrates how fleeting moments forge lasting legacies.

Fans continue to celebrate her journey, with viral clips of her emotional reflections amassing views. As she guides the next generation, Underwood’s words resonate: treasure the moments, because hindsight often reveals what the camera—and memory—missed.