Carrie Underwood comes home to ‘American Idol.’ ABC is expected to announce Thursday that Underwood will serve as a judge on the show next season, replacing Katy Perry — who announced her departure earlier this year. Underwood has returned to “American Idol” several times as a mentor, including appearing on the show’s 2022 season finale.
She is also no stranger to ABC viewers, having won the CMA Awards on the Alphabet network between 2008 and 2019.
Underwood broke out in 2005 as the winner of Season 4 of “American Idol,” when the show aired on Fox. She will take the seat next to Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as the newest judge when the show returns for season 23 next year.
She is also considered one of the most successful artists of all time. She has sold more than 85 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including eight Grammys.
Perry announced last winter that she would step down as a judge on “Idol.” She spent seven seasons on the show since it moved to ABC in 2018.
“I love ‘Idol’ so much, it connected me to the heart of America,” she said as she revealed the news on an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “But I feel like I have to go outside to feel the pulse of my own rhythm.”
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie continue this year, as the trio rivals the seven-season run of original “American Idol” judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
“I love the show so much, but I want to see the world,” Perry said on “Kimmel.” “Maybe one day I’ll come back when they have me.”
“American Idol” is entering its eighth season on ABC after being renewed last spring. Ryan Seacrest will continue to host the show from Fremantle and Sony Pictures TV’s 19 Entertainment. Megan Michaels Wolflick is showrunner and executive producer with Fremantle’s Jennifer Mullin, as well as Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for 19 Entertainment.