Carrie Underwood Becomes American Idol Judge: Announcement

Nearly 20 years after her incredible win on the American Idol stage, Carrie Underwood is going back home to where she got her start and joining the other side of the audition process: she’s gearing up to be a judge on the reality competition series.

The news came Thursday morning, July 31, as a post shared by American Idol and the country superstar. She joins Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan behind the judges’ desk, fulfilling a decades-long journey both for the show and herself. Carrie Underwood is replacing Katy Perry, who has been with American Idol since 2018.

‘American Idol’ announces Carrie Underwood as the newest judge

An official announcement of the newest judge was shared by the President of Disney Television Group, Craig Erwich, who said, “This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on Idol and launched her successful multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television.” 

He continued, “[Bringing on Underwood] is a full circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”

The social media announcement, as seen above, shared a sweet throwback video of a young, undiscovered Underwood preparing for her Idol audition and her experience on the show. The caption reads, “??CARRIE?? From #AmericanIdol hopeful, to global icon…to IDOL judge! Home-grown superstar @carrieunderwood will join us for Season 8! ? #CUonIDOL”.

In the clip, Underwood says, “I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show. I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.” 

All about Carrie Underwood’s ‘Idol’ season

The “All-American Girl” singer wowed former judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, when she auditioned for the show, singing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt.

The country singer had an explosive season, making it all the way to the series finale. Underwood was named the American Idol season 4 winner, beating out runner-up Bo Bice. After finding out she won, Underwood sang her newest single, “Inside Your Heaven.”

On the 17th anniversary of her win, the “Before He Cheats” country music singer shared a glimpse into her diary from the night she won the show. A bit from the page reads, “Ryan [Seacrest] said something like ‘And your 2005 American Idol is…’ my heart beat fast and I closed my eyes. ‘CARRIE UNDERWOOD!!!’” 

Carrie Underwood approaches 20th ‘Idol’ anniversary

While the singer-songwriter is gearing up to return to American Idol, the Grammy winning artist  is also quickly approaching her 20th anniversary of her exciting win. In May, Underwood shared an adorable throwback photo of herself holding a contestant number card. The singer wrote, “REFLECTION of the week: contestant number #14887 received her golden ticket to Hollywood!  I can’t believe it has been almost 20 years since auditioning for @AmericanIdol!”

Carrie Underwood makes her return to ‘American Idol’

Nearly 20 years later, Underwood is returning to the competition series that started it all for her. Now, the eight-time Grammy winner is joining the show to share all of the wisdom she has gotten throughout her career and help a new set of singers make their mark on the world. 

But it isn’t the first time the “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer has returned to the show. In 2018, Underwood came back to be a guest mentor for the season’s top contestants. She also came back to perform in the 2019 finale.

Before the announcement that Underwood would join the judge panel, it was speculated that Perry might be replaced by other artists, including Meghan Trainor, or former Idol contestants Fantasia Barrino or Jordin Sparks.

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