Carrie Underwood Returns to ‘American Idol’ As Judge for Season 23, Replacing Katy Perry

Carrie Underwood attends the 2022 People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on Dec. 6, 2022. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images )

Carrie Underwood is returning to “American Idol” but not for another audition.

After winning season four of “Idol” nearly 20 years ago, Underwood will join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as a judge for the singing competition show this upcoming season, according to an Aug. 1 press release.

“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 of Disney Television Group, in an ABC press release.

“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,” Erwich added.

Underwood will be the first former contestant to join the judge’s panel, replacing pop singer Katy Perry. In February, Perry announced on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” that after seven seasons, she would depart from “Idol” to “go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

In a video released by American Idol, Underwood reflected on her journey from Oklahoma to the big stage.

“I remember being at home in our little house in Checotah and seeing on TV that there were auditions in St. Louis. My mom said, ‘If you want to go, I’ll drive you,’” Underwood started.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she continued. “I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”

The “Jesus Take the Wheel” star has sold 85 million records worldwide and secured 28 No. 1 singles. Underwood has received numerous awards, including eight Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, ten People’s Choice Awards, and seven Country Music Association awards.

Experiencing a full-circle moment, Underwood auditioned on “American Idol” in 2004 and sang Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” in front of then-judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. The country superstar was triumphant that season, beating runner-up Bo Bice.

“REFLECTION of the week: contestant number #14887 received her golden ticket to Hollywood!  I can’t believe it has been almost 20 years since auditioning for @AmericanIdol! #ReflectionOfTheWeek,” she wrote in a May Instagram post.

In 2018, Underwood returned to “American Idol” to serve as a guest mentor and also performed her single “Cry Pretty,” she returned again in 2022 as a mentor for the semifinals.

Longtime host of “Idol” Ryan Seacrest will also return to the show next season, as he takes over Pat Sajak’s role as the host of the game show “Wheel of Fortune” this fall.

“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 on Instagram.