Carrie Underwood is returning to American Idol, but this time, she will be at the judges’ table. The 41-year-old country music singer has replaced now-former judge Katy Perry. Carrie is expected to appear beside judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan during the upcoming season, which premieres next year.
ABC announced the news on Thursday, August 1, with a throwback video of Carrie on the show.
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of million of people watching the show,” she said. “I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”
JUST IN: @carrieunderwood is returning to her #AmericanIdol roots — but this time as a judge!
Carrie will join @lukebryan and @LionelRichie as the newest @AmericanIdol judge alongside host @ryanseacrest in 2025! pic.twitter.com/gBCIQdcFad
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 1, 2024
Host Ryan Seacrest also confirmed the news in a tweet, writing, “It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner of @AmericanIdol 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table. Welcome home, @carrieunderwood!”
Per Deadline, other major music artists were considered before ABC decided on Carrie. Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were possibilities, according to the outlet.
