Executives named a new host of American Idol less than three months after Katy Perry’s last episode, and she’s the perfect fit. Carrie Underwood dazzled the judges and the audience in 2004, winning it all and crowned American Idol’s champ in season 4. Now, she’ll sit alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as a judge, hoping to find America’s next big star.
Katy announced she’d be leaving the show in February after seven seasons. The search was on to find the perfect replacement. We’ve been hearing rumblings that Carrie might be considering heading home to Idol, but it wasn’t confirmed until today.
In an emotional video on American Idol’s YouTube channel, we see a young Carrie at her home in Chehotah, Oklahoma, talking about driving to St. Louis to audition. Little did she know that ride to the Gateway City would change her life forever.
Her success started on American Idol, and now she’s back after 20 years. Carrie said in the YouTube announcement, “I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show. And I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”
Carrie Underwood’s American Idol Win Helped Make Her A Star
After winning season 4 of Idol, Carrie went on to an awe-inspiring career in the country music business. She’s sold 85 million records and had 28 #1 singles. Carrie also has eight Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, ten People’s Choice Awards, and seven CMA Awards. On top of that, she’s the most decorated star in CMT Music Awards’ history with 25 trophies.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said in a release,
“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 a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television. This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
Carrie will start her stint as a judge when American Idol returns in spring 2025.
This story’s featured image is by Monica Schipper/Getty Images.
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