“American Idol” Shares First Photo Of Carrie Underwood On Set As A Judge
American Idol’s Newest Judge Is One Of Their Own…
Carrie Underwood’s career started when she competed on (and won) Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. She’s one of the show’s most successful winners, with eight Grammy Awards to her name and over 85 million records sold.
Now, Underwood is bringing things full circle by coming back to the place where it all began. She’s returning to Idol…as a judge!
Following Katy Perry’s departure from the show at the end of Season 22, fans speculated who would replace her. That speculation ended when Idol announced that Underwood would join returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the show’s 23rd season.
Underwood will also reunite with the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, who hosted Idol when she won in 2005.
Opening up about her feelings surrounding her new gig, Underwood said:
“There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant, so I feel like being on both sides of the coin I’ll be able to offer some insight and help.“
The “I’m Gonna Love You” singer also received some hilarious words of advice from her new co-worker, Luke Bryan, who said, “Up her therapist. If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double to deal with me and Lionel.”
American Idol Shares First Photo Of Carrie Underwood & The Other Judges Of Season 23
Ever since Idol announced that Underwood is going to be a judge, fans have been anxiously waiting to see the first photo of her on set. That photo was finally released on Wednesday (October 2).
The photo shows Richie, Seacrest, Underwood, and Bryan standing in the famous Idol audition room with the show’s logo behind them. Idol captioned the picture, “HERE WE ARE…Back in the big city looking for the BEST and brightest talent!!!!…Season 23 starts in Spring ’25!“
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Idol fans shared their excitement about seeing the first photo of Underwood on set with the other judges. Some of the comments under the picture included:
“So amazing to have Carrie on the show! What a full circle moment for her!!”
“Oh the Queen is coming with the looks!”
“Love that Carrie Underwood is a judge. I’ve always thought a former winner or contestant should be on the panel. Gonna be good!”
“This is a FULL CIRCLE…I cannot wait to see Carrie as a judge. She was a winner and now a judge. My heart is so SO full! Cannot wait, the queen.”
“YAY!!!! So stoked!!! I can’t believe how excited I am to watch idol again because of YOU!!! 20 years ago was the most excited I was to watch the show as well. Have fun, Carrie!”
Are you looking forward to the next season of American Idol with Carrie Underwood at the judges’ table? Listen to her talk more about her new gig in the video below.
