On January 27, just days after her bumpy performance at ’s inauguration — where she endured technical issues and was forced to perform a cappella — reported to work at American Idol.

The “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer, 41, who won season 4 and is joining season 23 as a judge alongside and , seemed “tense” and “serious” throughout the taping, according to The U.S. Sun, although “she did loosen up a bit by the end, so she could’ve been nervous.”

What happened at the inauguration would have thrown anyone, a source exclusively tells In Touch, “but she handled the situation like a pro. She’s not looking back, just ahead — to American Idol.”

Carrie replaces Katy Perry on the judges panel. “I like to think that I am versatile. Hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I’m thinking,” Carrie recently said on The Highway’s “Music Row Happy Hour” special. She added she will be “honest and constructive but still kind” when giving her input. “So hopefully, I can marry all of those together and be a good judge.”