Carrie Underwood Will Reportedly Replace Katy Perry As A Judge On ‘American Idol’

A full circle moment for American Idol alum Carrie Underwood.

According to Deadline, the country superstar is slated to take former judge Katy Perry’s place on the show for Season 23, where she’ll sit on the panel alongside Lionel Richie and fellow country artist Luke Bryan.

Of course, at just 22 years old, Carrie won it all and beat out her fellow finalist, Bo Bice, for top honors back in 2005. She’s become easily one of the most successful artists to come from the competition show, and her insane vocal range and beautiful voice are second to none.

For me, she’s easily in the conversation for the best vocalist in mainstream country music over the last 20 years.

The small town girl from Oklahoma has obviously became a megastar even beyond country music, and she’s gone on to have plenty of #1 singles on the radio, won just about every award there is, from Grammy’s, to ACM’s, to CMA Awards, has her Reflection residency in Las Vegas that’s currently running, in addition to owning her own clothing line and being a mom to two little boys.

We have yet to hear from Underwood herself, but you can pretty much bet on seeing her grace your TV screen when Season 23 premieres likely in January or February, though American Idol has yet to announce an official date, which was renewed by ABC earlier this spring.

I think Carrie will make a great addition to the panel, and obviously no one knows more about what it’s like to go through being on the show more than anyone so she’ll be a great asset and wealth of knowledge for contestants.

While you’re here, check out her audition video from almost 20 years ago when a baby-faced Carrie Underwood impressed judges with a beautiful rendition of the Bonnie Raitt classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me”: