Fans React To ‘Crazy’ News That Carrie Underwood Is Joining ‘American Idol’ As A Judge Next Season: ‘I’m So Emotional’
August 2, 2024 by Maria Pierides
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!
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.