Katy Perry’s Replacement on 'American Idol' Is What Hollywood Might Call 'Perfect Casting'

She’s an “All‐American (Idol) Girl!”

After much speculation to who would replace Katy Perry on American Idol, the show announced their newest judge: Carrie Underwood!

In the announcement, Underwood, who won season four of the show back in 2005, looked back on her historic win. “I remember being at home in our little house in Checotah and seeing on TV that there were auditions in Saint Louis. My mom said, ‘If you wanna go, I’ll drive you,'” Underwood remembered.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of million of people watching the show,” she said. “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.”

At the end of the clip, Underwood’s introductory video on the competition show had 21-year-old Underwood talking to the camera. “Even if I go far away, this is my home,” she said. As it turns out, that couldn’t be more true!

In the comment section, Idol‘s host Ryan Seacrest shared his excitement. “She’s going to be fantastic,” he wrote. “Welcome home!”

“You guys couldn’t have picked better than this. Carrie is one of the reasons American Idol became an iconic show. ❤️” wrote an Underwood fan. “Iconic casting choice,” added another.

Prior to Underwood’s casting, Perry, who left the show after a seven-season run alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, had vouched for fellow country star Jelly Roll to take her spot. “I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” she told E! News in April. “I was convinced at anything he said. He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”

“To have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing,” she said. “I love you, Jelly!”

Shortly after, Roll himself said he’d be happy to take the job. “Of course!” he told Audacy. “Consider?! I’ve accepted the job, and they haven’t offered it.”

As turns it out, they’ve offered it to another country superstar instead!

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