The Secret to Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher’s Strong Marriage Despite Idol Distance

During American Idol’s Season 23 premiere on March 9, new judge Carrie Underwood got unexpectedly emotional. Aspiring contestant Breanna Nix had brought her young son, Emerson, to her audition, and the sleepy child curled up in Carrie’s lap as his mom belted out “Jesus Take the Wheel” — which left the tune’s original singer choked up. “I’m sorry, he’s just adorable, it’s sweet,” Carrie, 42, said after the music stopped. “It got to me.”

No doubt the moment had the country star missing her own family: sons Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 6, and husband Mike Fisher, 44. But though her new gig on American Idol might keep Carrie away from the Nashville home they all share — auditions were held in NYC and LA, as well as Music City, while live shows film in Hollywood — she and Mike have a plan to stay connected.

“There are challenges, but they are fighters,” an insider exclusively tells Life & Style. “Carrie and Mike have their own set of rules to make it work, like never going more than a week without seeing each other and FaceTiming every night, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”

The couple — who wed in 2010 — also trust each other, notes the insider: “Carrie doesn’t need constant reassurance, and Mike isn’t the jealous type.”

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher ‘Lean on Their Faith’ When ‘Things Get Tough’

When they are together, Carrie and her tribe ensure every minute counts. “They make up for the time away by packing in tons of family activities,” says the insider. “She and Mike have date nights, too, and appreciate every moment.” According to the insider, they aren’t afraid to turn to their church community for guidance, either. “When things get tough,” says the insider, “they always lean on their faith.”

Still, some in their inner circle have doubts. “People are concerned Carrie is putting her career above her marriage and that it will cause problems,” says the insider, noting the grueling American Idol schedule, plus the final shows of her Las Vegas residency, will have Carrie spending longer stretches away from her family’s 400-acre estate than ever before. “Carrie is worth more than $100M; it’s not as if she needs to be pushing herself this hard.”

But with her working-class roots, she has trouble saying no to huge opportunities. “Mike has always praised her work ethic,” says the insider. “As supportive as he is, though, there’s got to be times he wishes she’d slow down.”

For now, they’re rolling with it. Says the insider, “They’ve faced hard times before and come out stronger, this time will be no different.”

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Country Calling Festival, which blends catchy country tunes with coastal vibes, is returning to Ocean City, Maryland, this fall. The 3-day music festival will take place from Oct. 3-5, 2025, at the Ocean City Inlet and Boardwalk.

The festival’s star-studded lineup, which was announced Wednesday afternoon, includes big headliners Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Brooks & Dunn and plenty more ultra-talented country music moguls.

Country Calling to host stars Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, many more

“We’re back in Ocean City, rounding up the best in country music for another unforgettable weekend,” the esteemed music festival said online.

Carrie Underwood and Brooks & Dunn will headline the first night on Friday, Oct. 3, with big country music names Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Chase Rice, Leann Rimes, Avery Anna, John Morgan, Drew Baldridge, Luke Borchelt and Cale Tyson following suit.

Next, on Saturday, Oct. 4, festivalgoers will see headliner Luke Bryan, as well as Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Calvary, Wyonna Judd, Gretchen Wilson, Locash, Ingrid Andress, The Band Perry, Jimmy Charles, Jack Van Cleaf and Colton Bowlin, take the stage.

Then, headliner Luke Combs will hit the stage on Sunday, Oct. 5, along with Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, Gary Allan, Gavin Adcock, Gabby Barrett, Stephen Wilson Jr., Chase Matthew, Margo Price, The Castellows, Laci Kaye Booth and Thelma & James.

What else is in store at Country Calling Festival 2025?

Last fall, the town’s inaugural Country Calling Festival — which began as a 2-day event — drew thousands upon thousands of avid country music fans from all around, with some traveling from as far as Canada just to see their favorite artists hit the stage.

This year, over 35 country music artists will perform sets on three separate stages over the span of the 3-day, C3-produced festival. Two stages will be on the beach, and one on the historic Boardwalk.

In addition, festivalgoers will have access to Boardwalk amenities and its small businesses, including restaurants, bars, shops and more, as well as the beloved Jolly Roger at the Pier Amusement Park.

Both the Ocean City Boardwalk and action-packed amusement park — featuring countless food options, rides, games and much more — are located inside the festival grounds and included with the purchase of a Country Calling Festival ticket.OFFICIAL GUIDE TO SPRINGFEST: Ocean City’s 2025 Springfest: All to know about live music, transportation & floral garden

When do Country Calling Festival tickets go on sale?

Presale for Country Calling begins Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m. with access to the lowest-priced tickets. A general on-sale will follow that same day at 11 a.m. if tickets remain. To sign up for the presale passcode and shop festival merch, visit www.countrycallingfestival.com.