With American Idol about to start filming its eighth season on ABC—25 seasons overall, the time has come for the reveal of who will be taking over the much-coveted seat at the judges table vacated by Katy Perry —and the answer is the singing competition’s most successful alum Carrie Underwood .
“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.”
Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol and has gone on to win eight Grammy Awards and has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, recording 28 No. 1s since her win in 2005 and is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2008 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
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Underwood will take her place alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the panel for Season 25.
“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,” said Megan Wolflick , showrunner and executive producer of American Idol .
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.
Several names were considered as Katy’s replacement, including Miley Cyrus , P!nk , and Meghan Trainor , but it looks as if Underwood’s Idol connection beat them out.
American Idol will return to ABC in Spring 2025.
Next, Are Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Out at American Idol ?
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