American Idol producers fought hard to secure Carrie Underwood for the judges panel, amid competition from a rival show .
The secret years-long struggle to bring the Grammy-winning star back to the show that kickstarted her career was unsuccessful due to issues of money, timing, and a competing offer, according to a source. However, the relentless efforts of American Idol bosses have finally paid off, with Carrie set to return to the series she won in 2005.
She will replace Katy Perry on the panel, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Carrie is the first former contestant to return as a judge, but convincing her to come on board was no easy task, a source has claimed.
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The fight for Carrie took a dramatic twist when rival singing competition The Voice also wanted her for their show. Fortunately for the American Idol producers and fans, her loyalty remained with the show that launched her into stardom.
Eager to "give back" to the show that paved the way for her illustrious career, Carrie is excited to "cement her legacy." A source told the Daily Mail : "She has been asked to coach on The Voice as well, but it just never seemed right."
They added: "Even with the opening she has to speak to the same people at NBC by working with Sunday Night Football, she has always felt that she needed to be loyal to American Idol. She has always monitored the show that started her career, and now she couldn't say no."
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The source concluded: "She is looking forward to every joy she gets from giving back and is more than ready to make the show the monster show it once was." Carrie is set to make her debut when American Idol returns for Season 23 in spring 2025.
In an emotional video announcing her new gig, she told fans: "I'm proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I'm so proud of everything that I've accomplished since." When the singer appeared on Good Morning America on Friday, she hinted at what fans should expect when it comes to her feedback style as a judge.
"As you all may know I have a big problem," she teased. "I can't lie. I'll be very honest, but I'll be constructive and encouraging," she added, before mentioning that being a mother to nine-year-old Isaiah and five-year-old Michael has changed her perspective on how she communicates.
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