Singer Carrie Underwood, the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, is set to join the show as a judge for its upcoming 23rd season early next year, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. She will replace Katy Perry, who departed at the end of the previous season. Both Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are expected to continue their roles as judges. Underwood holds the title of the most successful Idol winner, having won eight Grammys and a total of 25 awards from the Academy of Country Music (16) and the Country Music Association (9). Additionally, she has had eight albums, including a greatest hits collection, top the US country charts, with four reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Perry announced in February that she would be leaving American Idol after its 22nd season to concentrate on her own music. She, along with Richie and Bryan, has served on the judging panel since the show's relaunch on ABC in 2018, following a two-year hiatus after Fox's 15-season run ended in 2016. American Idol, created by Simon Fuller and produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, was distributed by Fremantle and aired on Fox from June 11, 2002, until April 7, 2016. The series returned on ABC on March 11, 2018.
The 23rd season of American Idol is scheduled to debut in early 2025. Live, virtual auditions are planned to commence on August 12, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
