‘American Idol’ fans, here’s your first look at new judge Carrie Underwood
For its upcoming 23rd season (and eighth season on ABC), “American Idol” had the unthinkable task of replacing superstar judge Katy Perry. Well, the long-running reality TV show ended up pulling from its own bank of successful winners, choosing Season 4 stand-out Carrie Underwood to sit in between Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judges’ desk this year. See the first-look photos above and below.
Perry surprised fans when she announced her departure during an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in February. She was an integral part of the show’s successful transition to ABC and earned an estimated $25 million per season. Perry’s last episode of “American Idol” aired on May 19, 2024, with her final performance being “What Makes a Woman” alongside third-place finalist Jack Blocker.
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As for Underwood, age 41, she became a household name after she won Season 4 on May 25, 2005. More than 30 million people watched that live finale in real time, in which the then-21-year-old country singer from Checotah, Oklahoma prevail over aspiring rocker Bo Bice. Underwood’s winning song was “Inside Your Heaven,” which she performed while holding back tears at the Kodak Theatre as confetti rained down from above.
SEE ‘American Idol’ showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick on ‘exciting search’ to replace Katy Perry
Underwood’s debut album “Some Hearts” hit shelves in November of 2005, selling over seven million copies and winning her the Grammy for Best New Artist. In the past two decades, the country star has sold a reported 85 million records worldwide, and won eight Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, 16 ACM Awards and 25 CMT Awards.
Since “American Idol” moved to ABC eight years ago, the winning contestants have been Maddie Poppe (Season 16), Laine Hardy (Season 17), Just Sam (Season 18), Chayce Beckham (Season 19), Noah Thompson (Season 20), Iam Tongi (Season 21) and Abi Carter (Season 22). See the complete winners list.
Ryan Seacrest is back as the host for Season 23, which will air on ABC in early 2025. He has emceed the singing show since Day 1 on Fox. Are you excited to see Carrie Underwood return to “American Idol,” this time as a judge? Be sure to sound off down in the comments section.
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