Carrie Underwood Is Officially ‘Idol’s’ Next Judge
Carrie Underwood, the eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer who won season 4 of American Idol in 2005, has been announced as the newest judge on the show, taking over for Katy Perry. The news was revealed on Thursday (August 1), and Underwood will join returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, along with host Ryan Seacrest, when Idol returns to ABC and Hulu in spring 2025.
“I remember being at home in our little house in Checotah and seeing on TV that there were auditions in St. Louis,” the Oklahoma native says in a video revealing the big news. “My mom said, ‘If you wanna go, I’ll drive you.'”
Underwood reflected on her journey to fame, saying, “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.”
Her achievements are indeed impressive. Underwood has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, recorded 28 No. 1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), and is the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history. She also has seven albums certified multiplatinum or platinum by the RIAA, with over 72 million total RIAA certifications to date.
“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 Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group.
“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.”
Season eight auditions will kick off Monday, Aug. 12, with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
For information on how to sign up for Idol Across America and to register to virtually audition in front of an American Idol producer, please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions.
Underwood replaces Perry, who served as a judge alongside Bryan and Richie for seven seasons after the Idol revival kicked off on ABC in 2018. Perry announced her departure on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February and later told Good Morning America in April that her time on Idol had “healed my heart.”
