“American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry on the judging panel.
The official announcement was made Thursday morning.
“This season marks 20 years since Carrie captured America’s hearts and achieved multiple Grammy Award-winning success on Idol. As a former Idol and dynamic music powerhouse, she brings an incredibly unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group, said in a press release. “This is a full-circle moment for the show and for the audience that has tuned in for more than 20 years. Welcome back, Carrie.”
Carrie Underwood’s Tennessee home catches fire, family and pets unharmed
Carrie Underwood will join the judges for season 23 of “American Idol.” (Getty Images)
The “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer won the fourth season of the popular singing competition show in 2005.
“We went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she said in a video revealing her new job. “I’m so proud of everything we accomplished on the show and so proud of everything we’ve accomplished since then.”
Auditions for the new season will begin on August 12th.
Underwood currently lives in Nashville with her husband, former NHL centre Mike Fisher, and their two sons, 9-year-old Isaiah and 5-year-old Jacob.
Underwood recently announced an extension of her “Reflection” Las Vegas run at Resorts World, adding several more dates through spring 2025.
Former ‘American Idol’ contestant recommends country music superstar as Katy Perry’s replacement
She began her residency in December 2021 and has extended the series multiple times due to popular demand.
It has yet to be determined how her work on Sin City will affect her work filming and judging the singing competition.
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The “Before He Cheats” singer has been appearing on “Idol” since 2005, when he won the top prize beating Beau Bice.
In 2018, Underwood narrated the opening sequence and served as a guest advisor the following year.
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After Perry announced her departure from the show, a number of big name stars have been rumored to be in line to replace her.
Former “Idol” contestant Adam Lambert told Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live” that another country musician could make a great host.
Underwood won “American Idol” in 2005. (Getty Images)
Adam Lambert competed on Season 8 of “American Idol.” (Dave Simpson/WireImage)
“I think LeAnn Rimes would be great,” he told Cohen.
“I just worked with LeAnn Rimes on The Voice in Australia and she’s just the nicest, most down to earth person. She’s very spiritual and deep but also has a great sense of humor. I think she’s perfect for the show.”
Perry Announced in February She announced on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that she was leaving “American Idol” after seven seasons.
“This will probably be my last show, my last season of ‘Idol,'” Perry announced at the time.
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“I mean, I love ‘Idol’… it connected me to the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own rhythm,” she added with a wink to the host.
Katy Perry sat on the judges’ bench with Lionel Richie (left) and Luke Bryan. (Disney/Eric McCandless via Getty Images)
Her suggested alternative food was jelly rolls, a popular snack in rural areas.
“When Jelly Roll came on the show, I have to say, he was absolutely crazy,” Perry said. E! News“I believed anything he said. I could run for president. I could be a pastor. I could go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”
She added: “It would be amazing if any of these guys would be on the show with Jerry. I love you, Jerry!”
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