Carrie Underwood Weighs In On New ‘Idol’ Judges; Talks Inspirational ‘Soul Surfer’ Role

Carrie Underwood will make her feature film debut in just over a week in “Soul Surfer,” the inspirational film about real-life surfer Bethany Hamilton, and she explained to Access Hollywood at Wednesday night’s Los Angeles premiere why the story was such an emotional ride.

“So many of us normal people wouldn’t have done any of what Bethany was able to do,” Carrie, who plays another inspirational surfer – Sarah Hill, one of Bethany’s friends who helps her take back her life following a shark attack which cost Bethany her left arm – said. “I would think in a situation [like that], I don’t know what I would do. But her courage and her faith…

“Everybody told her that she couldn’t do what she loved anymore and she managed to do [it] anyway,” Carrie continued. “We can all learn from that.”

The former “American Idol” winner said the film, which hits theaters on April 8, is one that everyone should see.

“You learn about somebody that’s extremely strong, but you can apply so much into your own life. It is a triumph story, it’s a feel good story,” Carrie said. “It’ll be good for families to go see, to take your kids to.”

While she’s enjoying her first film role and the accompanying press interviews and premieres, Carrie said she has managed to catch some of Season 10 of “American Idol.”

“I have been watching for sure, I’m a fan just like everyone else,” she said.

Carrie, who found success after “Idol” as a country-pop superstar, said she’s been enjoying seeing “Idol’s” current country contender Scotty McCreery.

“I think he’s doing pretty good job… I think it’s a great, diverse group of people, which is always good to see,” she said.

She’s also enjoyed the judging style of newcomers to the panel – Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

“JLo, more than just being absolutely stunning every single night, she’s really doing a great job encouraging them and Steven Tyler — I learned about a softer side to Steven Tyler that I never knew existed,” she said. “You always think of this like, rocker macho guy and he’s really, really got this big heart for these kids.”

In related Carrie news, her husband, NHL hunk Mike Fisher, was recently traded to the Nashville Predators from the Ottawa Senators and she’s glad to have him in Nashville permanently.

“It’s wonderful having him around,” she said. “It’s great going to games. The crowd — [they are] so awesome and they have embraced Mike and he loves playing there.”