In Lionel Richie's eyes, Carrie Underwood learned a valuable lesson during her first year as an American Idol judge. "I think for her, the toughest part was saying 'No.' It took her about halfway through her first season," Richie, 76, exclusively told Us Weekly during an episode of the show's Taylor Swift night on Monday, April 27. "And I get it, we're here to not tear them down, but to encourage. But at the same time, not to lie to them. It's a great balancing act." He continued, "I think once she got past that ... they're already slightly broken when they come to us.