Carrie Underwood Discusses Joining American Idol as a Judge Replacing Katy Perry, and What to Expect

Carrie Underwood is ready to take a seat at the American Idol judge's table the country singer and 2005 Idol winner discussed replacing judge Katie Perry who earlier this year made the surprise reveal that the 22nd season would be her last after seven seasons Underwoods return to Idol as a judge was formally announced on Good Morning America during an interview in Las Vegas for the highways Music Row happy hour special Underwood reacted to her new role and teased what audiences can expect from her as a judge I feel like I've been so blessed to obviously be so rooted in country music but I've been able to be a part of many other genres or music as well Underwood said I mean I've got a song with Papa Roach right now it's a lot of fun I like to think that I am versatile hopefully when I listen to people come and audition I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I'm thinking she added when it comes to her judging technique Underwood shared that she will be honest and constructive but still kind when giving her input and I think that's the whole point cuz people are coming in and you know it's dreams you're a part of somebody's story from that moment on she said I think it's important to be honest but it's also very important an to be kind so hopefully I can marry all of those together and be a good judge Underwood marks the first Idol Alum to join the judges panel after being crowned the Idol winner of the competition series fourth season the singer has achieved a successful career winning eight Grammy Awards and a combined 25 Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association awards she's also had eight albums plus a greatest hits compilation top the US country charts four of which hit number one on the billboard 200 she will join returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke bran Ryan CEST also returns to host the 23rd season of American Idol is slated to Premiere in early 2025