Carrie Underwood Joins American Idol Judges Panel

Carrie Underwood, the 2005 winner of American Idol, is set to join the judges' panel for the show's upcoming 25th season, taking over from Katy Perry. The first look at the new judge was revealed during auditions in New York City, where she appeared alongside veteran judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, as well as host Ryan Seacrest. Underwood expressed excitement about returning to the show, feeling a connection with the production team that remains from her original season. She aims to provide constructive feedback while being kind to contestants, drawing from her diverse musical experiences beyond country music. The 25th season is scheduled to premiere in spring 2025, marking exactly 20 years since Underwood first auditioned for the series. Fans are eager to see how her journey has come full circle as she now helps aspiring artists realize their dreams.