Two decades after Carrie Underwood stole hearts as a contestant on American Idol, the “Before He Cheats” superstar is returning to the show as a judge on the upcoming 25th season.
She opened up about the new gig for the first time this week on SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour in Las Vegas. “I feel like I’ve been so blessed to obviously be so rooted in country music, but I’ve been able to be a part of many other genres or music as well,” she shared of her musical experiences. “I mean, I’ve got a song with Papa Roach right now. It’s a lot of fun.”
Underwood continued, “I like to think that I am versatile and, hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I’m thinking.”
Ultimately, as a judge, she hopes to be “honest and constructive, but still kind,” before adding, “I think that’s the whole point, because people are coming in and it’s dreams. You’re part of somebody’s story from that moment on.”
Underwood was the winner of American Idol‘s fourth season in 2005 and has gone on to release nine studio albums, win entertainer of the year three times at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and take home eight Grammys. In Billboard‘s 50 Best American Idol Alumni of All Time list, Underwood was ranked at No. 2, behind only season one champ Kelly Clarkson.
“Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show,” said Megan Wolflick, Idol showrunner and executive producer in a statement at the time of announcement in July. “She embodies the true spirit of Idol as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way. Carrie has always been a strong supporter of Idol, and I’m thrilled for her to be reunited with our Idol Family.”
Perry, who had spent seven seasons as a judge on the show alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since its move from original home Fox to ABC in 2018, revealed her exit from American Idol earlier this year. “I think this will probably be my last show, my last season for Idol,” she said on Jimmy Kimmel Live in February. “I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”
