Carrie Underwood Returns as American Idol Judge

Carrie Underwood is set to return to American Idol as a judge for its upcoming season, nearly two decades after winning Season 4. She will join Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the panel, marking a significant moment for fans who have followed her journey. Underwood will reportedly earn $12 million for her role, which is notably less than Katy Perry's $25 million salary during her tenure. A promotional video released by ABC showcases Underwood's evolution from contestant to judge, eliciting emotional responses from her fans on social media. Host Ryan Seacrest expressed his excitement over this full-circle moment by sharing throwback photos from Underwood's original win. Season 23 of American Idol will premiere on March 9, 2025, promising to inspire a new generation of contestants.