Carrie Underwood will be joining the American Idol judges' panel, taking over from Katy Perry for the show's 25th season. Underwood, who first gained fame as the winner of season four in 2005, will sit alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Her appointment marks a significant shift for the long-running reality competition series.

Underwood's transition from contestant to judge is notable, given her transformative journey from a small-town Oklahoma native to a country music superstar.

Having previously appeared as a guest mentor on the show, she now returns in a more permanent role. Underwood’s experience and success on the show, combined with her profound impact on the music industry, make her a fitting addition to the panel.

Reflecting on her past experience with American Idol, Underwood acknowledged the profound effect the competition had on her career.

“I learned a lot, I learned an insane amount,” she shared in an interview with Must Watch Show in May 2022. “It was star boot camp, and I was trying to soak in as much as I possibly could. Obviously, it launched my career.”

The news of Underwood’s new role comes following Katy Perry’s departure from the show. Perry, who has been a prominent figure on the panel, expressed her thoughts on the selection of her successor.

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