Carrie Underwood is heading back to “American Idol.”
The Grammy-winning singer, 41, has officially been named a new judge of the singing competition show that made her famous.
Underwood will join judges Lionel Richie, 75, and Luke Bryan, 48, while replacing Katy Perry, 39, who announced earlier this year that she would be leaving the show. Perry served as a judge for all seven seasons that aired on ABC.
The Disney-owned network rebooted “Idol” in 2018. It was previously broadcast on Fox from 2002 to 2016.
“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,” said Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group, in a statement on Thursday. “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.”
“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, added.
Underwood won season four of the series in 2005 before selling 85 million records and taking home 8 Grammys, making her one of the most famous and successful “American Idol” alumni.
She also has considerable experience as a host, having returned to “Idol” several times over the years as a mentor and hosting the CMA Awards on ABC between 2008 and 2019.
ABC has been on the hunt for Perry’s replacement over the past few months. Other famous names the network was reportedly considering included Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Pink, and Meghan Trainor.
In an interview with Billboard released on July 1, Bryan elaborated on the search for a new judge.
“It’s been interesting. It’s been something Disney [has] been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel [Richie] and Ryan [Seacrest],” he said.
“We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”
Back in 2018, just before Perry joined the sing-off, rumors spread that Kelly Clarkson, the original “Idol” winner, was being courted by ABC as a judge for the first season of their reboot. But Clarkson jumped aboard another singing competition series, “The Voice,” to play the role of judge.
“American Idol” was renewed for its 23rd season – its 8th on ABC – just before the season 7 series finale aired on May 19. The show has been bringing in solid ratings for the Disney-owned network.
Having left “Idol,” Perry has been focusing on making new music as of late.
“I love ‘Idol’ so much, it’s connected me with the heart of America,” she told Jimmy Kimmel in February. “But I feel like I need to go out to feel that pulse of my own beat.”
Perry released her latest single, “Woman’s World,” on July 11.
Underwood’s most recent album, “Denim & Rhinestones,” was released in 2022. The record was nominated for Favorite Country Album at the 50th American Music Awards.
Season 8 auditions will kick off Monday, Aug. 12.
