Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry as new American Idol judge
Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry as a judge on American Idol, marking a significant change in the show’s panel. Earlier this year, it was announced that Perry would be stepping down after serving as a judge for seven seasons. She had been part of the judging trio alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan ever since the show was revived by ABC in 2018. Perry’s departure left a vacancy that Underwood, the country music superstar and American Idol alum, will now fill.
This new role for Underwood comes twenty years after she first appeared on the American Idol stage. She auditioned for the show in 2004, eventually winning the competition and launching her highly successful career. Her journey from contestant to judge is a full-circle moment that many fans will find compelling. In a teaser clip released to announce her new role, viewers are taken on a nostalgic trip. The video starts with a throwback to Underwood preparing for her American Idol audition, a moment that defined her future in music. The footage is then interspersed with scenes of her getting ready for her debut as a judge.
In the clip, Underwood steps behind the judges’ desk, reflecting on how far she has come. “Twenty years ago, I was standing on a stage just like this one,” she says, acknowledging the monumental change in her career. To this, Lionel Richie, a long-time judge on the show, responds warmly, “And now you’re sitting here with us.” The exchange highlights the full-circle nature of Underwood’s new role on the iconic show that helped launch her career.
Underwood’s addition to the American Idol judging panel will bring a new dynamic to the show, as she brings her experience as a former contestant, a successful recording artist, and a seasoned performer. With her background in country music, Underwood is expected to offer a fresh perspective alongside Richie and Luke Bryan, who also bring extensive musical experience to the table. As American Idol continues its tradition of discovering new talent, having an alum like Underwood as a judge provides a unique opportunity for contestants to be mentored by someone who has experienced the show’s transformative impact firsthand.
This new chapter for American Idol will undoubtedly excite fans, and Underwood’s journey from contestant to judge will be a key storyline for the show’s next season.
