‘American Idol’ Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry as Season 23 judge

“American Idol” could be pulling from their own bank of superstar alum for Season 23. The hit ABC singing competition is reportedly negotiating a deal with Season 4 champ Carrie Underwood to replace pop singer Katy Perry on the judges’ panel. The Grammy winner would join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who have been mainstays since the show moved from FOX to ABC in 2018. Ryan Seacrest is expected to return as host.

Perry announced her departure from the show while appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in February. She was an integral part of the show’s successful transition to ABC and earned an estimated $25 million per season.

SEE ‘American Idol’ showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick on ‘exciting search’ to replace Katy Perry 

Underwood was just 21 years old when she auditioned for judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson in 2005. The Checotah, Oklahoma native wowed them with her rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” before sailing through to the finale, where she defeated Bo Bice to become the fourth Idol, following Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino.

Underwood’s debut album “Some Hearts” hit shelves in November of 2005, selling over seven million copies and winning her the Grammy for Best New Artist. The country star has sold a reported 85 million records worldwide, won 8 Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, 16 ACM Awards and 25 CMT Awards.

The Season 22 finale of “American Idol” aired on May 19, 2024. Abi Carter defeated Will Moseley and Jack Blocker to claim the 2024 crown.

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