Carrie Underwood is set to make her return to American Idol as a judge for the upcoming 25th season, replacing Katy Perry. Having won the show in 2005, Underwood emphasizes the importance of being both honest and kind in her feedback to contestants, as they pursue their dreams. She aims to bring her diverse musical background, having ventured beyond country music, to help guide aspiring artists. Showrunner Megan Wolflick noted that Underwood is the first former contestant to join the judging panel, which adds a unique perspective to the competition. She expressed excitement about using her experience to inspire the next generation of talent. Auditions for the new season began on August 12, 2023.