“American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood is replacing Katy Perry on the judging panel.
The official announcement was made on Thursday morning.
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America's hearts on 'Idol' and launched her successful, multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings an extraordinarily unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” Disney Television Group Chairman Craig Erwich said in a press release. “This is a coming-full-circle moment for both the show and the audiences at home who have been tuning in for more than two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
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Carrie Underwood will join “American Idol” as a judge for season 23. (Fake Images)
The “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer won the fourth season of the popular singing competition show in 2005.
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she said in a video revealing her new job. “I'm proud of everything I accomplished on the show and I'm so proud of everything I've accomplished since.”
Auditions for the new season will begin on August 12.
Underwood currently resides in Nashville with her husband, former NHL center Mike Fisher, and their two sons, Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5. “American Idol” tapes its shows live from Los Angeles. It's unclear if Underwood will relocate her entire family to the Golden State.
Carrie Underwood and her husband Mike Fisher have two children. (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
'AMERICAN IDOL' ALUM SUGGESTS COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR WILL REPLACE KATY PERRY
Underwood recently announced an extension of her “Reflection” residency in Las Vegas at Resorts World, with a series of shows added through spring 2025.
She began her residency in December 2021 and, due to popular demand, has extended the series several times.
How her work on Sin City will affect the filming and judging of the singing competition is yet to be determined.
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The “Before He Cheats” singer has appeared on “Idol” since beating out Bo Bice to take home the top prize in 2005.
In 2018, Underwood narrated the opening sequence and served as a guest consultant the following year.
Underwood won “American Idol” in 2005. (Fake Images)
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Several top stars are rumored to be replacing Perry after she revealed her departure from the show.
Former “Idol” contestant Adam Lambert told Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live” that another country musician would make a fantastic host.
Adam Lambert competed on the eighth season of “American Idol.” (Dave Simpson/WireImage)
“I think LeAnn Rimes would be great,” she told Cohen.
“I just worked with LeAnn Rimes in Australia on 'The Voice.' She's a lovely girl, very down to earth, very spiritual and deep, but with a great sense of humor. I think she would be a good fit for the show.”
Perry announced in February on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” who would be leaving “American Idol” after seven seasons on the show.
“I think this will probably be my last show, my last season on 'Idol,'” Perry announced at the time.
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“I mean, I love 'Idol'… It's connected me to the heart of America, but I feel like I need to get out there and feel that pulse at my own pace,” she added, winking at the host.
Katy Perry sat in the judges' seat with Lionel Richie, left, and Luke Bryan. (Disney/Eric McCandless via Getty Images)
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His suggestion for a replacement is the Jelly Roll, the country's favorite.
“I have to say that Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” Perry told E! News. “He sold me on everything he said. He could run for president. He could be my pastor. I could go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”
She added: “It would be fantastic to have any of these lads and Jelly on the show. Love you, Jelly!”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Underwood's representative for comment.
