It’s her first time through the American Idol mill for Carrie Underwood, and the pressure is getting to her, almost resulting in a nervous breakdown.

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To be a judge on American Idol you have to be willing to cut the fat. Not everyone can get through to Hollywood. Only the best can progress. But, Carrie Underwood is just too nice to say no. During the early stages of the competition, she has been letting a lot through.

Speaking about the early stages, Lionel Richie told of how Carrie Underwood was struggling to let people down. “I have to tell you, Carrie’s biggest nightmare was, as long as you can say, ‘Oh my God, you go through! Oh my God, you go through! Fantastic! Oh, you go through!’”

If the contestant made her cry, or gasp, which isn’t difficult, they were through. But, eventually, things had to change. They had to have a word with her.

Carrie Underwood Had To Toughen Up For ‘American Idol’

Lionel revealed that they had to set things straight. Not everyone can be a winner. “I’m telling you, she said, ‘Oh, he’s so cute.’ I said, ‘Carrie, do what you have to do.’ ‘She’s so nice.’ ‘Carrie, do what you have to do.’ And then finally she said, ‘I’m gonna have to tell you…. no. Not right now. Not now.’”

So, it was time for Carrie Underwood to start being a bit stricter, and it almost gave her a nervous breakdown. “We were waiting, because she’s gotta tell someone ‘No.’ and she almost had a nervous breakdown.”

Part of the judging learning curve for Carrie Underwood is coming in the form of being firm but fair. If she wants to have a team full of the best of the best, she needs to be tough. It is a difficult thing to tell someone that this isn’t their year, but it has to be done.

As the show goes on, and Carrie Underwood relaxes into her role on American Idol, I am sure it will become easier. But, for now, she feels like a tyrant. For old hands like Lionel and Bryan it’s not a problem to crush dreams, but it’s a new responsibility for Underwood.