Carrie Underwood, the country music superstar who won the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, is set to return to the show, this time as a judge. According to a report by Deadline, Underwood will replace Katy Perry on the judging panel beginning with Season 25.
Underwood, who has enjoyed immense success since her win, expressed her excitement about joining the panel. “I feel like I’ve been so blessed to be deeply rooted in country music, but I’ve also had the opportunity to explore many other genres,” she said. “I mean, I’ve got a song with Papa Roach right now. It’s a lot of fun.”
Reflecting on her approach to judging, Underwood added, “I like to think that I am versatile. Hopefully, when I listen to people audition, I can adapt to whatever genre they’re in. I believe in being honest and constructive, but also kind. It’s important to remember that you’re a part of someone’s story from that moment on. I hope to balance honesty with kindness to be a good judge.”
Carrie Underwood is widely regarded as the most successful American Idol winner. She has won eight Grammys and amassed 25 accolades from the Academy of Country Music (16) and the Country Music Association (9). Her eight albums, including a greatest hits collection, have all topped the U.S. country charts, with four also reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
American Idol was created by Simon Fuller and originally aired on Fox from 2002 to 2016, before being revived by ABC in 2018. Over the years, the show has featured a rotating panel of judges, with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan serving as the most recent trio since the show’s reboot. Perry, who joined the panel in Season 16, announced her departure earlier this year to focus on her music career, making her final appearance in May.
Underwood will join Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the panel for Season 25, bringing her experience and insight as both an artist and former contestant to the show.
