Carrie Underwood Returns to American Idol as New Judge
Carrie Underwood, the beloved winner of American Idol’s fourth season, is coming back to the show—but this time, she’ll be behind the judges’ table. Taking over from Katy Perry, who left at the end of the last season, Carrie will join Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the show’s 23rd season set to air in early 2025. The exciting news was revealed Thursday on Good Morning America.
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on Idol and launched her successful, multi-Grammy Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” said Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich. “This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
Carrie Underwood’s journey from Idol winner to global superstar is nothing short of extraordinary. She has collected eight Grammy Awards and a whopping 25 Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association awards combined. With eight albums topping the U.S. country charts—and four of those also reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200—her career is a testament to her talent and hard work.
Megan Wolflick, the executive producer and showrunner, expressed her excitement: “Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. She embodies the true spirit of Idol as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way. Carrie has always been a strong supporter of Idol, and I’m thrilled for her to be reunited with our Idol family.”
Katy Perry announced in February that season 22 would be her last as a judge. She expressed a desire to refocus on her own music career. Alongside Richie and Bryan, Perry has been a staple of the show’s judging panel for its seven-season revival on ABC, which started in 2018—two years after Fox ended the show’s initial 15-season run.
With the new season slated to premiere in early 2025, American Idol is gearing up for yet another exciting year. Virtual auditions kick off on August 12, giving aspiring singers across the country the chance to chase their dreams under the watchful eye of someone who truly understands their journey.
Carrie Underwood’s return as a judge brings a refreshing and inspiring twist to the show. Her presence is bound to resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers, making the upcoming season a highly anticipated event.
