Carrie Underwood Set to Replace Katy Perry as ‘American Idol’ Judge

Country music superstar Carrie Underwood seems primed to return to the show that set her career in motion nearly two decades ago, according to reports from multiple outlets. The multi-Grammy-winning country singer is expected to replace Katy Perry as the new judge of American Idol.

Underwood was the winner of American Idol‘s fourth season in 2005 and has gone on to release nine studio albums, win entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and take home eight Grammys. She’s also landed 16 No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart.

The Oklahoma native has been involved with Idol over the years in various capacities, including returning as a mentor in season 20 to offer advice and coaching to the season’s top five finalists.

Underwood is also set to extend her Las Vegas residency through 2025 and just revealed an upcoming collaboration with Papa Roach on a new version of the band’s song “Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark).” On Monday night, Underwood performed in Nashville as part of a tribute concert taping honoring the late country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith.

Perry, who had spent seven seasons as a judge on the show alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since its move from original home Fox to ABC in 2018, revealed her exit from American Idol earlier this year.

Reps for American Idol — produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment and hosted by Ryan Seacrest — declined to comment on the news, while reps for Underwood have yet to respond to Billboard‘s request.

In Billboard’s ranking of the 50 Best American Idol Alumni of All Time, Underwood was ranked as the No. 2 overall, behind only season 1 champ Kelly Clarkson.