Country music sensation Carrie Underwood is set to return to American Idol, the show that launched her career nearly 20 years ago. Multiple sources confirm that Underwood will replace Katy Perry as a judge on the popular talent competition.
Underwood, who won American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, has since achieved significant success, including nine studio albums, multiple Grammy Awards, and 16 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The Oklahoma native has previously returned to American Idol as a mentor, offering guidance to contestants during season 20.
In addition to her new role on American Idol, Underwood will extend her Las Vegas residency through 2025 and recently announced a collaboration with Papa Roach on a new version of their song “Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark).” She also performed in Nashville for a tribute concert honoring the late Toby Keith.
Katy Perry, who served as a judge for seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since American Idol’s transition from Fox to ABC in 2018, announced her departure from the show earlier this year.
Representatives for American Idol and Underwood have yet to comment on the transition. The show, produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment and hosted by Ryan Seacrest, continues to capture the spotlight in the talent competition landscape.
