Disney/Eric McCandless Carrie Underwood is concluding her first season as anAmerican Idoljudge on May 18 The singer returned to the show 20 years after winning season 4 Below, Underwood, along with her stylists Marina Toybina and Courtney Webster, talk about what went into creating her outfits for each episode Carrie Underwoodis an integral part ofAmerican Idolhistory. As the season 4 winner, she's cemented herself as a piece of the show's legacy. Twenty years after becoming a contestant on the competition show in 2005, the country singer, 42, returned to her roots, but this time as a judge! On March 9, Underwood entered her new era alongside vets Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, and throughout it all delivered one showstopping look after the other. "I absolutely love fashion and getting to play dress-up for my job," Underwood tells PEOPLE exclusively ahead of season 23's conclusion on May 18. Disney/Eric McCandless She didn't tackle the massive feat of styling an outfit week in and week out alone. Alongside her stylistsMarina ToybinaandCourtney Webster, the "Good Girl" singer was able to curate a wardrobe of gowns, suits, minidresses and more that combined "comfort, functionality and fun." "Designing forIdolfelt like a natural evolution of the work we've done together," Toybina and Webster tell PEOPLE. "Every look must embody her strength, grace and star power. We embraced a more refined, editorial approach for television that allowed her authenticity to shine in a more intimate, seated setting, without losing that signature Carrie brilliance." What makes a look "So Carrie" though? Bold femininity and drama channeled through "refined embellishment" and pieces that accentuate her figure. "It's that quiet confidence woven into every thread," they say. Ahead, get more fun style details from Underwood and her super stylist squad. Disney/Eric McCandless Throughout the season, Underwood paid homage to her 2000s outfit choices. "There are definitely a lot of things I still have, like my original finale dress and the jacket I wore when I originally performed 'Alone,' both of which I loved bringing back this season," says Underwood. When she wasn't pulling off epic rewears — including thelow-cut leopard-print dress she wore in 2005— she referenced plenty of her archived looks. "I love that we gave a nod to my original audition outfit with the pink dress I wore on the first day as a judge," she added, in reference to the hot pink cape dress she wore for the season's premiere. Disney/Eric McCandless On how her personal style has evolved, Underwood continues: "Well, back then, we were wearing our own clothes and the few things we were able to buy with a very modest wardrobe budget. Even then, I always wanted to be comfortable, and I did get to play around a little with different looks and hairstyles in that first season." Referencing her past self was significant for Underwood in many ways. "I owe my career toAmerican Idol.It has been such an important part of my life and I will always be grateful for that. Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me and it's meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation ofIdolfans." Toybina and Webster said seeing Underwood in her archives was incredibly nostalgic and meaningful. "Watching her step back into those moments with such grace reminded all of us how far she's come — and yet how grounded and true to herself she's remained." Disney/Christopher Willard The stylist duo tell PEOPLE that there wasn't a particularly "risky" outfit that made the cut. For every show, they really wanted to experiment with different aesthetics and to put their best foot forward with every one of them. "We did take a few bold, creative leaps, particularly when aligning wardrobe with the themed episodes. It was a delicate balance between pushing the boundaries of fashion and honoring the theatricality of the themes, all while preserving the integrity of Carrie's personal style. Every choice was intentional and Carrie carried each look with effortless poise and confidence," they say. Disney/Eric McCandless Along the way, Underwood says wardrobe malfunctions were avoided. "We've had a couple behind the scenes but the team is always quick to address them. Thankfully nothing too major. Definitely fewer chances of that happening here than when I'm performing live on stage for two hours with multiple wardrobe changes." Pulling together such a robust collection of outfits from various places — including Underwood's closet — takes lots of prep on Toybina's and Webster's part. "Preparing for the season took months of planning and creative development. Given Carrie's demanding schedule, we split fittings into multiple sessions to ensure flexibility and the ability to thoughtfully curate each look. Once the hero option was selected, it typically took about a week leading up to each episode to perfect the details, from tailoring and custom embellishments to accessories and final styling. Every ensemble was crafted with intention, aligning with the week's theme while staying true to Carrie's elevated and ever-evolving aesthetic." Disney/Eric McCandless Underwood was also effortless to collaborate with. "Carrie has an innate understanding of who she is, both as an artist and a woman. She's collaborative, open and deeply respectful of the creative process. Her trust, humility and radiant spirit make every moment of working together a privilege." Underwood "loved all of the looks" but there were definitely a few standouts from the rotation. "The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode was definitely a favorite," says the singer, who wore her own leather jacket and a custom Levi's kilt for the taping. Disney/Eric McCandless "I also loved the Oksana Mukha gown I wore to perform 'How Great Thou Art' for the Easter show. And, of course, who doesn't want to dress like a Disney princess, so looks inspired byAlice in WonderlandandRapunzelwere a lot of fun." As for Toybina and Webster, they loved themulticolored beaded column dressfrom the brand The Stars Fashion House that she wore on the "Iconic Women" episode. The refined elegance of its silhouette, combined with the striking, architectural intricacy of the hand-beaded embellishments, made it both visually captivating and artistically exceptional." Disney/Christopher Willard Of course, to complement her fashion, Underwood stepped up her glam game. Makeup artist Melissa Schleicher always did Underwood's signature glossy lip, while hairstylist Lorenzo Martin did up her hair in many ways. "It's fun to play, but I always want to look like me," Underwood said of her look. "In the same way we like to bring the rhinestones and sequins and fringe to the fashion, we always love to bring 'more' to the glam too — more lashes, more hair and more sparkle!" The season 23 finale ofAmerican Idolairs May 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Read the original article onPeople
