American Idol bosses fought for years to recruit Carrie Underwood as one of the show’s judges but were relentlessly thwarted by money, time and a dramatic rival bid, a source says.
Her persistence has finally paid off: It was announced Thursday that the 41-year-old country singer will be 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 a source, the battle for Carrie took a dramatic turn when rival series The Voice took the fight to American Idol producers, but ultimately her loyalty lay with the show that launched her career.
Now the time has finally come; Carrie apparently can’t wait to “give back” to the show that catapulted her to worldwide fame, and is excited to “further cement her legacy.”
“Carrie has been asked to be a judge in the past but time, money or other commitments prevented that from happening,” a source told DailyMail.com.
Carrie Underwood has been announced as the new judge of American Idol
Katy Perry, seen in a cover image for her upcoming album, is trying to salvage the musical comeback she attempted after leaving American Idol.
‘She was also asked to be a coach on The Voice, but it never seemed right to her.
‘Despite the opportunity he has to talk to the same people at NBC by working on Sunday Night Football, he has always felt he must remain loyal to American Idol.
‘She has always been interested in the show that started her career and now she couldn’t say no.
‘Carrie feels she is the best star to come out of American Idol and being a member of the show to create another superstar will help cement her legacy with the show.
“She’s eager to enjoy every moment of the joy that comes from giving back and is more than ready to make the show the monster spectacle it once was.”
DailyMail.com has contacted American Idol and The Voice for comment.
Carrie, the first American Idol alum 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 was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since then.”
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on Idol and launched her multi-Grammy Award-winning career,” said Craig Erwich, President, Disney Television Group.
Underwood auditioning for American Idol in 2004 before winning the show’s fourth season, which aired in 2005.
The 41-year-old singer won the contest in 2005 and became the first alumna to sit on the panel.
Perry left American Idol after seven seasons in May 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, he brings an extraordinarily 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 will join judges Luke and Lionel, who each have seven seasons of judging experience.
Meanwhile, longtime host Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since its premiere, will also return.
According to a source close to the show, Carrie is “eager to give something back” to the show that made her famous (pictured during a July performance in Hawaii).
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan had been judges together on American Idol since the show moved from Fox to ABC.
American Idol premiered in 2002 on Fox and was a hit for the network, but was cancelled in 2016.
After two years off the air, the show was revived by ABC and has aired there for seven seasons.
Katy was the first of the revival judges to step down as a judge.
Auditions for the new season will begin on August 12 with the Idol Across America national talent search and will conclude in September.
The season will premiere in the spring and will be available to watch on ABC and Hulu.
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