Carrie Underwood Joins ‘American Idol’ as Judge, Replacing Katy Perry
Carrie Underwood, a celebrated alum of American Idol, is set to join the show’s judging panel, replacing Katy Perry. This marks a significant moment for both Underwood and the popular ABC series, as she becomes the first former contestant to take on the role of a judge.
Underwood, who rose to fame by winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, has had an illustrious career since her victory. She has sold around 85 million records globally and won eight Grammy Awards, making her the most successful “Idol” winner to date.
Her return to the show as a judge is seen as a full-circle moment, highlighting her journey from contestant to global superstar.
In addition to her new role on “American Idol,” she will continue her Las Vegas residency at Resorts World, which extends through 2025.
She is expected to balance both commitments effectively, with the residency adding just six more shows to her lineup. This allows her ample flexibility to manage her performances in Las Vegas alongside her judging duties.
Her appointment is expected to be officially announced during her performance on “Good Morning America” (GMA) this Friday. GMA and “American Idol” both fall under the ABC network, making this a strategic platform for the big reveal.
The timing of the announcement coincides with her appearance as part of GMA’s summer concert series, further building anticipation among fans and viewers.
On her upcoming Good Morning America appearance, Underwood is expected to say, “It’s an honor to come back to the show that launched my career. I am beyond excited to join Luke and Lionel on the judging panel and can’t wait to see the incredible talent that will grace the ‘Idol’ stage this season.”
ABC has been searching for a replacement for Katy Perry for several months.
According to Deadline, other names considered for the role included Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Pink, and Meghan Trainor. Ultimately, Underwood was chosen, likely due to her deep connection with the show and her impressive career trajectory.
Katy Perry, who joined the American Idol judging panel in Season 16 when ABC rebooted the competition, received a heartfelt farewell during the show’s finale in May.
She decided to leave to focus on her music career, with her latest song, Woman’s World, released earlier this month. Perry’s departure marks the end of an era, but she leaves on a high note, having made a significant impact during her tenure.and Reactions
During a recent interview, Underwood shared her excitement about joining the judging panel.
“It’s truly a dream come true to come back to ‘American Idol’ in this new role. The show gave me so much, and I can’t wait to give back and help guide the next generation of artists.”
During a conversation with Ryan Seacrest, Underwood reminisced about her time as a contestant.
“I remember how nervous I was standing on that stage for the first time. Now, being on the other side, I hope to provide support and encouragement to the contestants, just like the judges did for me.”
Seacrest responded with, “Carrie, you’ve come a long way since those early days, and having you back in this new role is truly special for all of us. Welcome back to the ‘Idol’ family.”