Carrie Underwood Returning to ‘American Idol’ As Judge

Nearly twenty years after American Idol transformed Carrie Underwood‘s career, she’s returning to the long-standing singing competition series as a judge. Idol announced on August 1st that the country superstar will take over for Katy Perry in the 23rd overall season, which kicks off in spring 2025 on ABC and Hulu.

“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,” Megan Wolflick, Idol showrunner and executive producer, shared in a statement to Variety. “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.”

Since winning Idol‘s fourth season in 2005, Underwood has notched eight Grammys, nine studio albums, and 16 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart. She’s also appeared on Idol a handful of times since her win, serving as a mentor to season 20’s top five finalists.

When she replaces Perry, who announced her exit from the series after an eight-season tenure earlier this year, Underwood will join current judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Although the series won’t air until next spring, auditions for Idol’s season 23 “Idol Across America” search begin on August 12th.

On top of her new role with Idol, Underwood is also extending her standing Las Vegas residency into 2025. The historic residency began in 2021, and received its first extension by popular demand in 2022. Underwood also has a song with Papa Roach on the way, a new version of the band’s song “Leave a Light On (Talk Away The Dark).”