American Idol is back, and it heralds the dawn of a new era as Carrie Underwood takes her place on the judging panel, replacing Katy Perry who announced her departure after seven seasons. Season 4 winner Underwood, who catapulted to fame after her 2005 win at age 21, joins returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the show's 23rd season, premiering on March 9, 2025.
Underwood, now 41, is excited to bring both her musical expertise and personal experiences as she replaces Perry, who shared during her last appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! her desire to focus on her music career. "I need to feel the pulse to my own beat," Perry explained, highlighting her intention to create space for new projects, including her latest album, 143, released in September 2024. Perry's decision to step back has sparked interest about who she would be replaced by, with many fans speculating about various artists.
Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed the reasoning behind selecting Underwood as her predecessor. “All roads led to Carrie,” she said. The decision was seen as not just filling the empty chair, but rather as bringing someone who understands the show well and has experienced the competition firsthand. "It made so much sense to put [Carrie] in there, because she was bringing something new to the table," Wolflick emphasized.
Underwood’s history with American Idol is deeply rooted as she emerged as one of the show’s most prominent winners. Her rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” during her audition remains legendary, even 20 years later. Reflecting on her audition, she shared her initial fear of singing before the judges, especially Simon Cowell, who she learned was not particularly fond of country music. "He immediately gave me a compliment and then said, 'I'm surprised we haven't found any good country singers,'" she recalled, appreciating Cowell's support.
The change behind the judges' table also aims to inject new energy and diversity. Alongside Underwood, Jelly Roll joins the show as its first artist-in-residence. After previously mentoring contestants, Jelly Roll's rapport with rising stars presents another layer to the show's mentorship approach. Wolflick notes how important it is for talent to have someone who understands what they are going through: "He has been there recently — he knows how the music industry works right now.”
The new dynamic among the judges aims to build on the foundation laid by the previous seasons. Jessie Roll brings excitement and relevance, with Wolflick asserting the importance of updating the show to reflect current trends and tastes. “The show is all about updating and constantly staying fresh and relevant,” she remarked.
The premiere of Season 23 not only marks Underwood's debut as a judge but also the milestone of the 700th episode of American Idol. Recent promotional data demonstrates significant audience engagement, with the post-Oscars preview episode reaching 5.93 million viewers, marking its highest rating launch in three years. With such viewership, the show continues to bridge generations of music lovers.
Underwood’s judge role is expected to reveal another side of her personality. Wolflick noted how audiences are set to discover the warm and humorous aspects of Underwood during the competition, contrasting the perception some may have of her as solely the country star. “It’s like an onion — you discover so many layers throughout the season,” Wolflick commented.
Notably, Underwood's transition to the judging panel hasn't been without controversy. Just weeks before her debut, she faced backlash for her performance of “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration of Donald Trump. Despite the mixed reactions, insiders close to the show have asserted Underwood's role is secure. A source revealed, “Carrie’s job is not in jeopardy. She will continue her role as a judge.”
This season promises to serve as both a return to familiar territory for Underwood and mementos of her own Idol experience. The marriage of seasoned judges like Richie, Bryan, and the energetic Jelly Roll promises stories of resilience and emotional connection throughout the season.
American Idol continues to champion diversity among music genres, celebrating talent not just confined to specific categories but redefining what artistry can look like. One high-stakes moment featured contestant Joey Cicconne, who struggled with nerves during his audition but received supportive words from Underwood during the episode, echoing the nurturing spirit of the show. “I have been where you’ve been. This competition gets tough,” Underwood reassured him, emphasizing the emotional ups and downs of the audition process.
Fans eagerly await the show's return next week. With both Underwood's captivating presence and Jelly Roll's mentorship, it is anticipated to be one of the most compelling seasons of the iconic competition. The stakes are high, and the contestants are ready to make their mark.
American Idol premieres Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes available the next day on Hulu.