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Carrie Underwood will join returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on American Idol on March 9, the group announced on Monday afternoon (November 11).
Underwood is returning to the long-running competition show 20 years after she won it and launched her career as an award-winning artist. Host Ryan Seacrest said it was a “full circle moment” to crown Underwood the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, to welcoming her to the celebrity judge panel.
The Denim & Rhinestones star confirmed earlier this year that she would return to American Idol as a judge, following Katy Perry’s departure from the show. Underwood previously said she’s “proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.” The Oklahoma-born trailblazer has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, released dozens of No. 1 singles, won eight Grammy Awards, became the most-awarded artist at the CMT Music Awards and more. Underwood recently became the first and longest-running resident headliner at Resorts World Theatre when she launched her Las Vegas residency, REFLECTION, in 2021. She recently announced the final run of shows in April 2025.
American Idol will premiere on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu. Relive Underwood’s American Idol journey in photos here.