This year, Carrie Underwood’s journey on American Idol came full circle. Twenty years after winning the show in 2005, she returned for the first time as a judge, joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Since fans had never seen Underwood in a role like this before, no one knew what to expect. But it turns out she’s become the most emotional judge on the panel.

The “Before He Cheats” singer has been brought to tears more than once this season as she watches contestants give it their all. And honestly, who could blame her? Season 23 has been full of touching moments, with several singers sharing powerful stories behind their songs and performances.

The funny thing is, Underwood made it clear at the very beginning that she wasn’t someone who cried easily. Well, she’s definitely proved herself wrong.

Let’s take a look back at every time Carrie Underwood has cried during her first time as a judge… and keep in mind, the season’s only halfway through!

Carrie Underwood Gets Choked Up During Breanna Nix’s Audition While Holding Her Sleepy Baby

Stay-at-home mom Breanna Nix brought her sweet baby boy along with her when she auditioned for American Idol. She chose to sing Underwood’s hit “Jesus Take The Wheel,” and while she sang, her son Emerson sat in Underwood’s lap.

Between hearing her song and holding the sleepy baby, Underwood couldn’t help but get choked up. It quickly became one of the most heartwarming moments of the season.

Samantha Ray Brings Carrie Underwood To Tears With Tribute To Late Sister

When Idol contestant Samantha Ray walked into the room to audition, she delivered a performance of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.” She chose the song in memory of her sister, who had passed away just a few months earlier.

Her tribute moved all three judges, but Underwood was especially touched. When it was her turn to give feedback, she got so choked up that the judges had to skip her until she could gather herself enough to speak.

Slater Nalley Makes All Three Judges Cry With Original Song

Slater Nally’s audition was one of the first glimpses fans got of Season 23, as it was featured in a sneak peek ahead of the new episodes.

He came in with one of his former teachers, Mrs. Davis, who he considers a mentor in his life. Slater shared that he had written an original song for her son, who had tragically passed away eight years earlier.

By the time he finished his performance, all three judges were visibly moved.

“Even though this was about your son, every single person that hears that can fill in that memory with somebody that’s in themselves,” Underwood said to Davis who was standing alongside Slater his entire audition. “I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better.”

Ethan Senger’s Duet With His Mom Leaves Carrie Underwood Struggling To “Hold It Together”

Ethan Senger had a bit of a rocky start to his Idol audition. He originally chose to sing Keith Urban’s 2002 hit “Somebody Like You,” but Luke Bryan stopped him a few times during the performance, encouraging him to slow it down a bit.

Even with the stops, all three judges saw something special in him. Knowing that Ethan’s mom was there (and that she was also a singer), Luke asked if he’d like to bring her in to sing with him. The two performed Glen Hansford and Marketa Irglova’s “Falling Slowly,” and their duet left Carrie Underwood in tears. When it came time to give commentary, she admitted she was struggling to keep it together.

“…as a mom with boys, the way you look at him is so sweet…I was just like, hold it together,” she said before giving Ethan a “yes” to advance in the competition.

Children’s Choir Makes Carrie Underwood Cry With Inspiring Cover Of “So Small”

In 2012, Carrie Underwood teamed up with the PS22 Kids’ Chorus to sing her hit song “So Small.” Thirteen years later, the chorus returned to surprise her in honor of her becoming Idol’s new judge.

The kids began singing “So Small” as Underwood watched with tears in her eyes. Midway through the performance, they paused and invited her to join in, just like she did all those years ago. By the end, she was wiping tears away from her face.

“Thank you,” Underwood said to the kids in the choir. “Oh my gosh, you guys just gave me the biggest gift.”

Carrie Underwood Tears Up Over Being Open About Her Faith In The Public Eye

During Hollywood Week, contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill performed together for the head-to-head rounds. They ended up singing “Gratitude” by Christian artist Brandon Lake.

The song is very powerful, especially for those with a strong faith. One of those people was Carrie Underwood, who has always been open about her own Christian beliefs. She got emotional while listening to the two contestants and later choked up as she praised them for their performance.

Underwood told them how proud she was that they chose a faith-based song and said that she understands how tough it can be to open up about your faith in the entertainment industry.

“Ladies, Rylie, Breanna, I wanna tell you how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you,” she said, her voice cracking. “It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are gonna tell you not to do that. I wanna tell you that I’m proud of you guys.”