After a long and agonizing wait, Katy Perry‘s replacement on American Idol has just been confirmed. And it’s none other than former American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood!
So many celebrity names have been thrown into mix since the 39-year-old “Roar” singer announced that she wouldn’t be returning to the judging panel for season 22 – from Jennifer Lopez to Kelly Clarkson to Jelly Roll, to name just three. But we think the 41-year-old “Hate My Heart” singer, who won the fourth season of the singing competition back in 2005 and remains one of the show’s most successful winners, is the *perfect* option! We have chills!
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Carrie Underwood Announced As Brand New ‘American Idol’ Judge
The show confirmed that the eight-time Grammy winner will be joining Lionel Richie, 75, and Luke Bryan, 48, on the famous judging panel via Instagram post on Thursday, August 1st.
The post couldn’t have been more fitting, as it was a video featuring flashbacks of Carrie herself auditioning for the show, alongside some clips of her performing on the show and ultimately being announced as the winner. It also featured an interview of the mom-of-two in the present day talking about her Idol experience.
The “Before He Cheats” singer’s appearance on the show will begin in spring 2025 – which also happens to be the 20th anniversary of her win! And her fans predictably couldn’t contain their excitement that she will be Katy Perry’s replacement in the comments section of American Idol‘s Instagram post.
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Fan Comments
"You guys couldn't have picked better than this. Carrie is one of the reasons American Idol became an iconic show," raved one fan, followed by the heart eyes emoji. "The absolute best option for the next judge – haven't watched in years and now I'll definitely be watching again!" exclaimed a second, followed by the heart eyes emoji, as a third commented: "Iconic casting choice."
"Best American Idol winner ever! Can't wait to watch!" wrote another excited fan, followed by the hand praising and red heart emojis. "I'm so emotional!" gushed another fan, followed by the crying emoji, as American Idol host Ryan Seacrest added: "She's going to be fantastic. Welcome home!" Aww!
"I'm so happy," commented another fan, as someone else noted how it was a "full circle moment" for the singer. "I'm so excited! I may actually watch American idol again!" wrote another fan, as another said: "I'm screaming!" "I'm SO excited for next season! Thank you @americanidol for choosing @carrieunderwood as a judge!" added another grateful fan, followed by the red heart emoji. "This is crazy! We love it!" added another approving fan, followed by the heart eyes emoji.
