From Contestant to Judge—Christian Artist Carrie Underwood Replaces Katy Perry as a Judge on ‘American Idol’

After winning the fourth season of “American Idol,” Christian artist Carrie Underwood has sold more than 85 million records worldwide. Every album she’s recorded has debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 for all genres. And she’s not even close to done yet. Underwood has been invited back to where it all started to join “American Idol” as the show’s newest judge.

“This is my home,” said Underwood in a video announcing her return to the show.

‘American Idol’ Adds Carrie Underwood as a Judge for 23rd Season

“American Idol” just announced that Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry as a judge on the show. Underwood will serve alongside judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

After seven years as a judge, Katy Perry left “American Idol” in 2024. While coaching many artists over the years, Perry encouraged 21-year-old contestant Israel McFarland to use music to rebel against his parents and his Christian upbringing. Perry related to the contestant because she had a conservative childhood before embarking on a secular music career.

“My parents…liked to name us all names from the Bible,” McFarland explained. When Perry asked if his upbringing was strict, McFarland answered, “Yeah, very strict. My parents—they did not like secular music. [My mom will] still comment if she hears a cuss word in my songs.” He shared that cussing is “one of the few things in life I enjoy.”

Perry then jokingly asked McFarland, “Alright, Israel, what Satan music are you going to share with us today?” He sang “The Cost,” depicting the sacrifices music artists make in order to pursue their dreams. McFarland didn’t make it past his audition on the show.

A portion of the Season 22 finale of “American Idol” was dedicated to honoring Perry and the contestants she inspired over the last seven years. The Top 12 female contestants joined her on stage to sing a medley of Perry’s hits. The popular judge then rose on a small platform to display her long skirt containing the faces of the 24 contestants she coached during her time on the show.

With such huge shoes to fill, the show searched for just the right judge to replace Perry. Show executives looked no further than one of the show’s previous contestants—and winners—Carrie Underwood.

Underwood vividly recalled life before she auditioned for “American Idol.” “I remember being at home in our little house in Checotah and seeing on TV that there were auditions in St. Louis,” said Underwood.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” Underwood shared. “I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”

The list of successes for the artist is astonishing—85 million records sold worldwide, 28 No. 1 singles, eight Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, 10 People’s Choice Awards, and seven CMA awards.

“Even if I go far away, this is my home,” Underwood said of Checotah, Oklahoma. “American Idol” executives thought she could easily say the same thing about the show. The next season, Season 23, will air in Spring 2025.