It’s official! American Idol has a new judge!
American Idol announced on Thursday (August 1) that Carrie Underwood will be taking their place at the judges’ table alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the show’s 23rd season.
Carrie Underwood, who boasts one of the show’s biggest success stories to date, will occupy the seat filled by pop star Katy Perry for seven years. Perry announced her exit from the show in February while promoting Idol‘s 22nd season. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Katy shared that the season would be her last and cited the “need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat” as her reason for leaving.
Katy Perry added that she would be working on new music and focusing on her music career.
RELATED: KATY PERRY CONFIRMS SHE’S LEAVING AMERICAN IDOL
Upon the airing of Katy Perry’s final episode of Idol, rumors began to swirl about who would replace her.
Each of the judges suggested names that they thought would be a great fit. Jelly Roll, Meghan Trainor, and show alumni like Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia all received shoutouts.
In early July, Luke Bryan shared the names of three artists he knew were “in the talks” to land the coveted role. Bryan told Billboard that P!nk, Miley Cyrus and Meghan Trainor had been discussed as possible candidates.
RELATED: KATY PERRY SAYS GOODBYE TO AMERICAN IDOL IN EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
Out of the three Luke Bryan mentioned, only Meghan Trainor was extremely vocal about her interest in the gig. In an interview with Andy Cohen, Trainor said, “I’ve done every interview in the world and said that that is my dream job, and I have emailed three awesome people who work in that world who don’t really have the final say … but I have begged for this job … it’s my favorite show — I’ve watched it since I was a child.”
The “All About That Bass” singer appeared on the 22nd season of American Idol as a contestant mentor and a performer. She received rave reviews for her appearance as her excitement and enthusiasm about the show was evident. So it came as a shock when Meghan Trainor wasn’t chosen for the job.
But the news of Carrie Underwood taking on the judging role was met with praise from fans. American Idol announced the news on social media on Thursday with a video montage of her audition for Season Four 20 years ago.
Fans reacted positively to the news – proof that American Idol may be gearing up for its best season yet! See a few of their reactions below.
“the little country girl who i voted for 20million times back in 2005”
“I’M SO EMOTIONAL”
“Best choice ever!! Carrie is my favorite singer ever and I can’t wait to see her on Idol again”
“this is my sign to watch idol again!”
Season 23 of American Idol is slated to air in the spring of 2025. Auditions kick off July 31 with the first round of virtual auditions followed by open casting calls throughout August and September!