American Idol: Carrie Underwood Replacing Katy Perry as New Judge in Season 23 (Report)

Prepare to be blown away by this American Idol news: Carrie Underwood is reportedly closing a deal to replace Katy Perry as a judge for Season 23, according to TMZ .

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The news, which has not been confirmed by ABC, would mark a full-circle journey for Underwood, who became the fourth winner of Idol back in 2005.

For what it’s worth (and we think it’s worth a lot ), Underwood was among TVLine’s picks for Perry’s potential replacement. Here’s what we wrote at the time: “Not only is she an Idol winner, therefore capable of speaking to the contestants from a place of experience, but Underwood also has lots of TV hosting practice under belt via multiple CMA Award ceremonies. Maybe we’ll let Jesus take the wheel on this one.” And now, Jesus has (reportedly) steered Underwood straight to the judges’ panel.

Relive Underwood’s winning moment below:

Perry shocked fans in February when she announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that Season 22 of American Idol would be her last.

“I think this will probably be my last season for Idol ,” she said at the time. “I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”

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The singer had already drummed up a bit of excitement (and even more confusion) on Instagram earlier that night, where she teased her Kimmel appearance with the following: “Let’s play two truths and a lie: 1. I beat Usher at Monopoly Deal. 2. I’m headlining Rock in Rio this September. 3. This is my last season on American Idol .”

Perry had been a judge on American Idol since the competition was rebooted by ABC in 2018. Her final episode, which aired in May, featured a special performance of her 2020 song “What Makes a Woman,” for which she wore a dress patterned with the faces of Idol contestants whose journeys she has shepherded during her time on the show.

Neither Luke Bryan nor Lionel Richie, both of whom sat beside Perry for all six of her seasons, have confirmed their future with the show, though TMZ reports that both are expected to return for Season 23.

How do you feel about Underwood possibly rejoining the Idol family, this time as a judge? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.

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