Carrie Underwood CONFIRMED as New ‘American Idol’ Judge Replacing Katy Perry

Carrie Underwood has been confirmed as the newest judge on ‘American Idol’ – making for quite the full circle moment.

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Moments ago, ABC unveiled the Country star as the latest addition to the judging panel for the long-running show’s forthcoming 23rd overall season.

Underwood replaces Katy Perry – who co-anchored Idol for seven seasons – before announcing her departure earlier this year.

She will appear alongside returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

And in a moment of fate, the GRAMMY winner’s onboarding will coincide with the 20th year since she won the singing contest.

Speaking on her time since winning the show, Underwood gushed:

“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.”

On enlisting the performer, Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group 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, This 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.”

Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of “American Idol. added:

“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. 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.”

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‘American Idol’ returns in 2025.

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[Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicholas]