When Katy Perry announced her departure from "American Idol," Carrie Underwood was the obvious pick to join the judging panel, according to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, saying "all roads led to Carrie.

The country star is experiencing a full-circle moment, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judging panel for the 23rd season of the show.

American Idol has been giving singing hopefuls the chance to shine and show the country what they’re capable of. Now in its 23 rd season on the 2025 TV schedule, the series continues to do so. With Carrie Underwood returning to her old stomping grounds to help find the next American Idol,