Slater Nalley checks all of the boxes as the kind of contestant judges love: He’s confident, he’s talented, he writes his own songs — but most of all, he’s a good dude with a compelling story.It was enough to make Carrie Underwood cry.

Carrie Underwood has been, well, busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Since the confetti fell, the country singer has released nine albums and embarked on seven tours. She's also tried her hand at acting and launched a handful of businesses.

The season 4 winner is making her grand return to the show that started her career — this time as its newest judge.