Carrie Underwood Confirmed As Newest ‘American Idol’ Judge
It’s a full-circle moment for the country superstar.
Carrie Underwood; Photo by Randee St. Nicholas
Carrie Underwood’s musical journey began 20 years ago when she left her small town in Oklahoma to pursue her musical dreams on American Idol, ultimately winning Season 4. Today, ABC officially announced that Underwood will return to the show as the newest judge.
The eight-time GRAMMY® Award will serve as a replacement for Katy Perry who stepped down from her role after seven seasons with the singing competition. When the show premieres in spring 2025 for the franchise’s 23rd overall season, Underwood will be joined by returning judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, as well as longtime host, Ryan Seacrest.
A Full-Circle Moment With Ryan Seacrest
When the news broke on social media of Underwood’s new gig, Seacrest was one of the first to say “Welcome home” to the newest judge as this marks an incredibly full circle moment for them. Seacrest began his hosting duties on the show in 2002 and remains a member of the Idol family to this day, meaning he was the one to announce the “Denim & Rhinestones” singer as the winner back in 2005. Next spring, they will get to come together once again and continue their Idol journeys while celebrating the tremendous growth they have both seen in their careers since that monumental moment on stage.
“It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner of @americanidol 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table. Welcome home, @carrieunderwood,” Seacrest wrote in his Instagram post alongside two nostalgic pictures of him with Underwood.
Since earning the show’s ultimate title, Carrie Underwood has sold 85 million records worldwide, earned eight GRAMMYs, 28 No. 1 singles, and countless other achievements and accolades. Plus, she has also become a wife to her husband Mike Fisher, and a mom to her two sons.
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show…I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since,” she said in the announcement video on social media.
Celebrating Underwood’s Return Two Decades Later
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, gushed over the opportunity to bring Underwood home after all this time to give the next round of contestants the chance to learn from someone who knows what it’s like to go through the intense competition.
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on ‘Idol’ and launched her successful multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” said Erwich. “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.”
“Carrie Underwood is the first ‘American Idol’ alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful ‘Idol’ winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. 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,” adds Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of “American Idol.”
Season eight auditions will kick off Monday, August 12, with the return of “Idol Across America.” Those hoping for their chance at stardom have the chance to take part in live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar that takes place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be get to put their talent on display in front of an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date in hopes of getting to advance to the next step, the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
“Idol Across America” auditions dates (subject to change):
- Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug 12)
- Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug 14)
- Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug 16)
- Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug 19)
- Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug 21)
- Nationwide open call (Aug 23)
- Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug 26)
- Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug 28)
- Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug 29)
- West and Midwest open call (Sep 4)
- Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sep 6)
- Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C. (Sep 9)
- Nationwide open call (Sep 11)
- The South open call (Sep 13)
- East Coast open call (Sep 17)
For more information on auditions, please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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