Carrie Underwood’s journey comes full circle as she joins “American Idol” as a judge.
After winning the fourth season of “American Idol” in 2005, Carrie Underwood is set to return to the show in a new role. Underwood will replace Katy Perry on the judges’ panel for the upcoming season, premiering in spring 2025, alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Underwood’s return marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first former contestant to join the judge’s panel. This decision follows Perry’s departure to focus on new music and an upcoming tour. The announcement was made on “Good Morning America” on August 1, with a nostalgic video of Underwood’s Idol journey from her audition days in Checotah, Oklahoma, to her rise to fame.
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” Underwood reminisced, highlighting her transformative experience on the show.
Over the past two decades, Underwood has achieved immense success, selling 85 million records worldwide and earning numerous accolades, including eight Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, 10 People’s Choice Awards, and seven CMA Awards.
ABC revived “American Idol” in March 2018, after its initial run on Fox from June 2002 to April 2016. The new season, set to premiere in spring 2025, will be hosted once again by Ryan Seacrest. Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, emphasized the significance of Underwood’s return, stating, “As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television.”
Underwood has maintained a connection with “American Idol,” serving as a mentor for the season 20 semifinals in 2022 and performing her single “Cry Pretty” on the show in 2018. Her return as a judge is highly anticipated by fans and marks a heartwarming reunion with the show that launched her career.
Luke Bryan, one of the current judges, shared insights into the selection process for Perry’s replacement, mentioning names like Pink, Miley Cyrus, and Meghan Trainor as potential candidates. Despite the speculation, Underwood’s appointment brings a familiar and beloved figure back to the Idol stage.
As Underwood prepares for her new role, her fans eagerly await the upcoming season, excited to see her bring her unique perspective and experience to the judges’ panel.
Source PEOPLE.
