From winner to evaluate, Carrie Underwood is experiencing a full-circle second! It’s been confirmed that she’ll be stepping in to interchange Katy Perry on the judges’ desk for the upcoming season of “American Idol.”
At 41, Underwood can be becoming a member of Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the panel for season 23. Having received “American Idol” in 2005, she’s no stranger to the stage.
Following ABC’s affirmation that Carrie Underwood is returning to “American Idol,” host Ryan Seacrest broke his silence, relating a heartfelt submit on social media.
Article continues beneath commercial
Katy Perry Leaves ‘Idol’ Judges Desk
Following the hypothesis that Katy Perry can be leaving “American Idol” after seven seasons, she confirmed that her time had come to an finish, expressing that whereas being a decide on “Idol” has “healed my coronary heart,” it’s time to say goodbye.
“It has been unbelievable to be on this journey with them,” Perry mentioned on “Good Morning America” of her fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, in addition to host Ryan Seacrest.
She is now shifting her focus to her return to music.
Article continues beneath commercial
Carrie Underwood Is Formally Becoming a member of The Judges Desk On ‘American Idol’

Eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer Carrie Underwood is having a full circle second as it has been confirmed she’s going to substitute Katy Perry on the judges desk for the upcoming season of “American Idol.”
“I went from no person figuring out my title to tens of tens of millions of individuals watching the present,” the singer mentioned within the announcement video shared by ABC. “I’m pleased with all the things that I used to be capable of accomplish on the present and I’m so pleased with all the things I’ve completed since.”
As a reminder, Underwood received season 4 of the competitors present.
Article continues beneath commercial
Ryan Seacrest Breaks Silence On Carrie Underwood’s Return To ‘American Idol’
Hours after listening to the information, the present host of the ABC singing competitors present, who additionally hosted when Carrie Underwood received her season, broke his silence by sharing a heartfelt submit on social media.
“It’s a full-circle second to go from saying you because the winner of ‘American Idol’ 20 years in the past to now welcoming you to the decide’s desk,” he wrote alongside a throwback picture of the 2 on stage throughout Underwood’s season. “Welcome residence, Carrie Underwood!”
Followers instantly reacted to the information, expressing their pleasure and help for the “Earlier than He Cheats” singer. “Very excited for Carrie to be a decide,” one Instagram consumer mentioned. “She is aware of precisely what these contestants are going by way of and it’s going to deliver a extra personable interplay with everyone.”
Article continues beneath commercial
“Yay! She’s one in every of my favourite individuals! So are you Ryan,” one other mentioned, including a laughing face emoji. “She can be wonderful with you, Luke and Lionel! Can’t wait to see y’all collectively.”
Article continues beneath commercial
Social Media Reacts To Carrie Underwood’s Return

Others took to X, the social media platform previously generally known as Twitter, to precise their shock and pleasure. “Wow, it is a shock!” one X consumer mentioned. “Carrie Underwood can be an incredible addition to the ‘American Idol’ judges’ panel!”
“Her nation roots and expertise as a winner of the present would deliver a contemporary perspective. Undecided I am able to say goodbye to Katy Perry’s sass and humor, however Carrie can be an important match!” they added.
One other consumer mentioned, “100% an ideal alternative. She’s been down the highway. She understands precisely what they’re going by way of. I feel it’s implausible.”
A 3rd wrote, “That is truly excellent,” as a fourth expressed, “Carrie Underwood is coming again to ‘American Idol,’ however this time she’ll be on the opposite facet of the judges’ desk!”
“Excited to see her again the place all of it started!” one other identified.
Article continues beneath commercial
Carrie Underwood Admits That ‘Idol’ ‘Launched Her Profession’

Two years in the past, Carrie Underwood admitted that she would not be the place she is at present with out the singing competitors present.
“I realized quite a bit, I realized an insane quantity,” Underwood mentioned in an interview with the Should Watch Present, per Us Weekly, on the time. “And a lot of that’s nonetheless utilized at present, it nonetheless holds true to what I do now. It was star boot camp and I used to be making an attempt to soak in as a lot as I presumably might and, clearly, it launched my profession.”
“American Idol” returns to ABC and Hulu in spring 2025.