American Idol is back once more to showcase new competition and talent.
But this year will feel a little different with Katy Perry stepping down. Perry has served as a judge since the series was rebooted in Season 16. After Season 22, Perry turned her attention to releasing music and touring.
While we’re sad to see Perry go, fans are excited to see that Carrie Underwood returns to American Idol. Underwood’s single “Inside Your Heaven” (2005) made her the first country artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the only solo country artist in the 2000s to have a number-one song on the Hot 100.
Related: Watch: Carrie Underwood Breaks Down In Tears Over ‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Powerful Story
Some of her other famous work includes “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (2005) and “Before He Cheat” (2006), with her debut album, Some Hearts (2005), becoming the best-selling debut album of all time by a solo female country artist.
The Season 4 winner and country music superstar has previously mentored contestants in Seasons 16 and 20, but this will be her first time on the other side of the judge’s table.
The news surfaced a few days after the Toby Keith concert tribute, who died in February 2024. Luke Bryan, another judge on American Idol, expresses that “Carrie being here has felt so right,” and “It’s full circle for her.”
Read More: First Look At The New ‘American Idol’ As Carrie Underwood Replaces Katy Perry
Of course, Carrie Underwood admits she’s nervous about going to this side of production. She expresses that “critiquing and telling people ‘No'” isn’t something she’s looking forward to, especially because she’s saying no to dreams.
Along with Bryan and Underwood, American Idol will also be judged by Lionel Richie. However, there is some speculation that Richie and Underwood might not see eye to eye. However, Richie and Underwood have a playful conversation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where Richie calls Underwood out for saying yes to everyone.
Now that Carrie Underwood returns to American Idol, how can you watch it? The season premiered Sunday, March 9th, on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
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