AMERICAN IDOL Alum Returns as Show’s Newest Judge

Published: August 2, 2024

AMERICAN IDOL Alum Returns as Show’s Newest Judge

By Movieguide® Contributor

Carrie Underwood is returning to AMERICAN IDOL — but this time, as a judge!

“Carrie Underwood is the first AMERICAN IDOL alum ever to join the judging panel,” executive producer and showrunner Megan Wolflick said of the decision. “Her global superstar status as the most successful IDOL winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show.”

She continued, “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.”

Underwood won the fourth season of AMERICAN IDOL and is one of the singing competition show’s most successful winners. She has won eight Grammys, 16 ACMS and nine CMAs as well as creating four No. 1 albums.

“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on IDOL and launched her successful, multi-Grammy Award-winning career,” Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich said in a statement.

He continued, “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.”

Underwood will be taking over Katy Perry’s seat on the judging panel. Perry announced she would be leaving AMERICAN IDOL last year.

“I love the show so much but I want to see the world,” Perry said of the decision. “Maybe I’ll come back if they have me one day.”

Movieguide® previously reported on the hunt for Perry’s replacement:

Luke Bryan recently revealed some of the famous faces who might be replacing Katy Perry as a judge on the next season of AMERICAN IDOL.

“I’ve said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks,” Bryan told Billboard.

He called the process “interesting,” adding that Disney has been “really tight-lipped” with him, fellow judge Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest.

“We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back,” Bryan said. “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.”