American Idol has secured its newest judge to replace Katy Perry. Carrie Underwood will join the judging panel. As fans know, Underwood shot to stardom after winning the fourth season of the show when it aired on Fox before its move to ABC.
She’s expected to take a seat alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for Season 25.
The ABC network has been looking for a replacement for several months. Before Underwood, other celebrities in talks included Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber. Luke Bryan also hinted that Pink and Meghan Trainor were being considered.
Underwood, with around 85 million records sold, is widely regarded as the most successful American Idol winner. She first auditioned for the Fox show with Bonnie Raitt‘s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and her rendition of “Alone” was thought to be a key factor in her victory.
Numerous music competition shows, including Idol and The Voice, have sought the country superstar. Idol has been eager to bring back its former success stories as judges. In 2018, Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural Idol winner in 2002, was reportedly approached but ultimately joined The Voice that year.
When ABC revived the competition, Perry, Bryan, and Lionel Richie became American Idol judges in Season 16.
After her departure from American Idol, Perry announced she would focus on her music career and released her new song, “Woman’s World,” earlier this month.
ABC renewed the show earlier this spring for its 8th season ahead of this season’s finale. American Idol has consistently delivered strong ratings for ABC since the network picked it up in 2018 (after its Fox run ended in 2016).
Ryan Seacrest continues as host. Carrie should be a fantastic addition. She’ll likely mesh well with Bryan and Richie.
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