Twenty years after Carrie Underwood stood inside the winner’s circle and sang that God-awful song “Inside Your Heaven” to claim victory of the fourth season of American Idol, the singer is returning to the show— as a judge.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that Carrie will take over judging duties for Katy Perry— who announced her departure from ‘American Idol’ in February. She will join returning judges Lionel Ritchie and Luke Bryan when the season’s virtual auditions begin in August.
Ryan Seacrest— who has hosted the singing competition since its first season— expressed his excitement to have a show alum joining the judging panel for the first time.
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“It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table,” Ryan wrote on Instagram. “Welcome home, @carrieunderwood!”
“Thank you Ryan!” Carrie wrote in response on Instagram Stories on Thursday. “Excited to be coming back home!”
In the official announcement on Good Morning America on Thursday, Carrie spoke about the days leading up to her audition for ‘Idol’ in 2004.
“I remember being at home in our little house and seeing on TV that there were auditions in St. Louis. My mom said, ‘If you want to go, I’ll drive you,’ ” she said in a clip. “I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show… I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.”
In a statement, Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich spoke about what Carrie can bring to ‘American Idol.’
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on ‘Idol’ and launched her successful, multi-Grammy Award-winning career,” he said. “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.”
‘American Idol’ executive producer and showrunner Megan Wolflick noted that Carrie’s is a true “Cinderella story.”
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“Carrie Underwood is the first ‘American Idol’ alum ever to join the judging panel,” she said. “Her global superstar status as the most successful ‘Idol’ winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. 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.”
It’s unknown if Carrie will continue on as a judge after Season 23. When she announced her departure from the show in February, Katy Perry stated that she may want to reclaim her seat at the judge’s table someday.
“I love the show so much but I want to go see the world and maybe bring new music… Maybe I’ll come back, if they’ll have me, one day!” Katy said at the time.
Watch the official announcement video below!
RELATED STORY: Katy Perry Announces She’s Leaving ‘American Idol’ After Season 22; Says Fellow Judges Luke Bryan & Lionel Richie Didn’t Know
(Photos: ABC; Instagram)
2 Responses
Does anyone still watch this show? Seriously, someone name a successful winner from the last decade. Its over. Let it die.
Benson Boone left Amerocan Idol to become very successful and wanted to do music his way. It worked.
He got the connections he needed and was out.
Carrie Underwood looks like Katy perry in the eyes.