Carrie Underwood to Replace Katy Perry as 'American Idol' Judge

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Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit

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Katy Perry’s replacement on American Idol has finally been announced, and the coveted spot on the panel has been given to Carrie Underwood. The show officially made the announcement on Thursday, after reports surfaced the day before.

Carrie Underwood to Replace Katy Perry on American Idol

Earlier this year, Katy Perry announced that she would be leaving American Idol after seven seasons as a judge. There was much talk about who might replace her on the panel, with celebrities like Kelly Clarkson and Meghan Trainor being brought up as possibilities.

Then on Wednesday, TMZ reported that Underwood was about to finalize a deal to serve as a judge on the show. The news spread, and on Thursday morning the show confirmed that Underwood is the newest judge on the panel.

Idol shared a video to announce the news, featuring clips of Underwood from back when she competed on the show in Season 4. She ended up being named the winner, leading to an incredible career in country music.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” Underwood says in the clip as she reflects on her journey. “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.”

SEE ALSO: PAULA ABDUL SAYS SHE’S ‘PROUD’ OF ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ WINNER CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie Will Also Return

If you were worried that longtime judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie might not be returning for Season 23, it looks like you can rest easy. On Thursday, American Idol posted on Instagram stories that Bryan and Richie will be back to sit on the panel with Underwood. Ryan Seacrest will also be back as host.

The interesting thing about Underwood’s choice as a judge is that two-thirds of the judging panel will now be country stars. One Instagram user expressed concern about this, joking, “It’s already Country Idol as is.” Country singers have definitely done well in recent seasons of the show.

What do you think? Is Underwood a good choice to replace Perry as a judge? Let us know in the comments below, and tune in to American Idol Season 23 when it returns to ABC in 2025.

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