Former contestant to replace Katy Perry as newest ‘American Idol’ judge: ‘Welcome home’

Carrie Underwood has been announced as the newest judge for American Idol.

The Grammy Award-winning singer will replace Katy Perry, who revealed earlier this year that she would be leaving the show after sitting at the judges’ table for seven seasons.

“I remember being at home in our little house in Checotah and seeing on TV that there were auditions in St. Louis,” Underwood said in a video revealing the big news. “My mom said, ‘If you wanna go, I’ll drive you.'”

“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.”

Underwood won season four of the reality singing competition in 2005 and went on to sell 85 million records and take home eight Grammys.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Carrie Underwood attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

The addition of the country singer to Idol will bring an aspect that has yet to be seen on set.

“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,” Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of the series, said in a statement, according to the New York Post.

(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) “American Idol” Season 4 – Top 24 Semifinalist, Carrie Underwood, 21, Checotah, Oklahoma (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)

Underwood will join judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest for the upcoming season of American Idol. Auditions are set to begin August 12, while the new season will premiere in spring 2025.

I’m so excited for Carrie Underwood! She was one of my favorite contestants on the show. I can’t wait to see how she’ll use her experience to help the newcomers.

Please share if you can’t wait to see Carrie Underwood back on Idol!

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