Luke Bryan spoke about Carrie Underwood’s highly-anticipated return to American Idol during a recent interview and performance on Good Morning America.

Bryan has served as a judge on the hit competition show alongside Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, who left the show. Underwood is joining Idol as a judge for the first time 20 years after longtime host Ryan Seacrest crowned her the winner of the show’s fourth season in 2005. Jelly Roll will also appear on American Idol as the first “artist in residence.” Though the new season is still a few days away from its two-hour premiere, American Idol has shared a few teasers and glimpses of the auditions this year.

“It’s been fun watching her learn the role as a judge because she was obviously the contestant that won, that went on to become a massive superstar,” Bryan said on GMA. “When the cameras are off and we’re deliberating about contestants, you know, Carrie’s like, ‘guys, you gotta give them a little more time because I was this person one day, you know, years ago.’ So, we’ve had such a blast getting to know her obviously as a human and a person, and what a great heart and spirit. And me and Lionel are loving having her be in there, and the show is, too. She’s doing a great job.”

Bryan went on to talk about his upcoming farm tour, which has been a “special thing in my heart” for years. The tour will head West for the first time in an effort to uplift California farmers. The annual “Farm Tour” kicks off in May. Later that month, Bryan will also kick off his “Country Song Came On Tour” with George Birge, Avery Anna, Ashland Craft, Mae Estes, Cole Goodwin, Braxton Keith, Randall King, Vincent Mason, Drake Milligan, Adrien Nunez and Owen Riegling. DJ Rock will join all shows, per a press release announcing the dates. Bryan performed “Closing Time In California” and “Country Song Came On” during his recent appearance on Good Morning America. Both songs appear on Bryan’s latest album, Mind Of A Country Boy.

American Idol viewers caught a preview for the soon-to-premiere season immediately after the Oscars aired on ABC on Sunday evening (March 2). Underwood will host an exclusive digital series, Idol To Icon, reflecting “on my own season while guiding our new hopefuls as a judge!” Idol To Icon will be available on Instagram and YouTube on Tuesday (March 4). American Idol’s two-hour season premiere is set for Sunday (March 9). It will be available the following day on Hulu.

Bob Delmont