According to a source, American Idol executives have been battling for years to land Carrie Underwood as one of the show’s judges, but have been thwarted by money, timing and a dramatic competitor.
Their persistence has finally paid off: It was announced on Thursday that the 41-year-old country singer is returning to the series she won in 2005. She will replace Katy Perry as a panelist, alongside returning stars Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
According to an insider, the battle for Carrie took a dramatic turn when rival series The Voice took on the producers of American Idol, but ultimately her loyalty lay with the show that launched her career.
Now the timing is finally right and Carrie can’t wait to give back to the show that made her world famous and is excited to continue cementing her legacy.
“They have asked Carrie to be a judge in the past, but timing, money or other commitments got in the way,” a source told DailyMail.com.
Carrie Underwood has been announced as the new judge of American Idol
Katy Perry, seen in a cover photo for her upcoming album, is trying to salvage her musical comeback after leaving American Idol
‘She was also asked to coach on The Voice, but it just didn’t feel right.
‘Even at the opening, she has to talk to the same people at NBC from working with Sunday Night Football, she always felt like she had to stay true to American Idol.
‘She always followed the show that started her career, and now she couldn’t say no.
‘Carrie believes she is the greatest star American Idol has ever produced and by judging the show to create another superstar, she will cement her legacy with the show.
“She looks forward to all the joy she gets from giving back and is more than ready to turn the show into the monster show it once was.”
DailyMail.com has reached out to American Idol and The Voice for comment.
Carrie, the first former American Idol cast member to become a judge, will make her debut when the ABC show returns in spring 2025.
In an emotional video announcing her new job, she enthused, “I’m proud of everything I accomplished on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie captured America’s hearts on Idol and began her successful, multi-Grammy Award-winning career,” said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group.
Underwood during her audition for American Idol in 2004, before winning the show’s fourth season, which aired in 2005
The 41-year-old singer won the competition show in 2005 and is the first former student to sit on the panel
Perry quit American Idol in May after seven seasons to focus on her music career
Country singer Carrie is the most decorated artist in CMT Music Awards history with 25 wins
“As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television.”
Country singer Carrie is the most decorated artist in CMT Music Awards history with 25 wins.
She has also won eight Grammy Awards and consistently tops the charts with her albums and singles.
Carrie joins judges Luke and Lionel, both of whom have seven seasons of experience as judges.
Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest, who has been involved with the show since its premiere, will also return.
According to an insider, Carrie is looking forward to giving back to the show that made her famous (pictured during a July performance in Hawaii)
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan have been co-judges on American Idol since the show moved from Fox to ABC
American Idol premiered on Fox in 2002 and was a hit for the network, but was canceled in 2016.
After a two-year hiatus from television, the show was revived by ABC, where it has now aired for seven seasons.
Katy was the first judge on the revival to leave her position.
Auditions for the new season begin on August 12 with the nationwide talent search of Idol Across America and conclude in September.
The season will premiere in the spring and air on ABC and Hulu.