Carrie Underwood Confirms She’s Returning To ‘American Idol’ As A Judge Next Season

Coming home. This morning, Carrie Underwood confirmed the news that she'll be replacing former judge Katy Perry's place on the show for Season 23 (Season 8 on the new network, ABC), where she'll sit on the panel alongside Lionel Richie and fellow country artist Luke Bryan. Of course, it will be a full-circle moment for the American Idol alum, who won the show in its prime back in 2005 at just 22 years old. It's also the first time they've ever had two country artists as judges at the same time, which will definitely be an interesting element considering she and Bryan have known each other for years now. Since 2005, Carrie has become a country superstar, selling over 85 million records worldwide, scored 28 #1 singles, won eight Grammy's and seven CMA Awards. 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. She shared a nostalgic video package sharing the news, recalling how she ended up auditioning in the first place and how much she has accomplished in almost 20 years: "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 wanna go, I'll drive you.' I went from nobody knowing my name, to tens of millions of people watching the show. 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 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, CMA Awards, her Reflection residency in Las Vegas, in addition to owning her own clothing line and being a mom to two little boys. American Idol has yet to announce an official date, which was renewed by ABC earlier this spring, but it should be airing sometime early next year. 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": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOlrEFQ24SM