As Richie tells the contestant, “You need to be heard,” before he, Underwood and Bryan yell in unison, “You’re going to Hollywood!”

Of course, many other unknown talents are also hoping to earn a golden ticket with their auditions.

“I’ve wanted this since I was a little kid,” one admits in the teaser while another shares, “I’m ready for my life to change.”

And, yes, the first look promises many more tears of joy to come, both from the judges and the competitors. As Richie notes, “There are surprises in every person.”

See the emotional sneak peek at Underwood’s judging debut in the preview above.

As for how Underwood really feels about returning to Idol as a mentor 20 years after winning the show?

“I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind,” the 41-year-old teased last August after it was announced she was replacing longtime judge Katy Perry. “And I think that’s the whole point, because people are coming in and it’s dreams. You’re part of somebody’s story from that moment on.”

Plus, Underwood already has her predecessor’s stamp of approval.

“She was born on that show,” Perry told People in January. “She actually truly knows. As artists, we’ve been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day. So I think she’s going to have a lot to offer anyone that’s willing to listen.”

American Idol premieres Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. on ABC.

In the meantime, keep reading to see how Underwood went from unknown hopeful to music icon to Idol judge.