In a significant shift for "American Idol," Carrie Underwood, a former winner, has been selected to replace Katy Perry as a judge. Executive producer Megan Wolflick shared the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing Underwood's status within the show: "She is our queen," Wolflick stated.
Marking two decades since her audition in St. Louis, Underwood's addition to the panel is particularly notable as she becomes the first "Idol" alum to serve as a judge. Wolflick expressed long-standing interest in having an alum join the judging team.
"Carrie Underwood is our queen, our icon of American Idol," she added.
Underwood, 41, will join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the show's 23rd season, set to air 20 years after she won the competition in 2005. The announcement, confirmed by ABC on Thursday, August 1, follows Katy Perry's departure in February.
"We've been searching for a new judge for some time and have been in discussions with Carrie for a while," Wolflick told Entertainment Tonight. "These talks have been ongoing for over two months since the season 22 finale, and we're thrilled it's happening."
Longtime host Ryan Seacrest, who hosted Underwood's winning season, is particularly enthusiastic about her new role. "Ryan couldn't be more excited, as he has been with Carrie every step of the way," said Wolflick. "He was over the moon about it."
Underwood reflected on her journey in a video announcing her new role: "I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show. I’m proud of everything I accomplished on the show and since."
The announcement video highlighted Underwood's achievements, including 85 million records sold worldwide, 28 No. 1 singles, eight Grammy Awards, 17 American Music Awards, 10 People’s Choice Awards, and seven CMA awards.
“Carrie Underwood is the first 'American Idol' alum ever to join the judging panel. Her status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show,” Wolflick said. “She embodies the true spirit of Idol, having lived the Cinderella story herself. Our future hopefuls will now receive guidance from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps.”
