'American Idol': Who will replace Katy Perry? ABC show to feature two country singers on panel for Season 23
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Katy Perry has left 'American Idol', and Carrie Underwood is on the verge of taking her place. Carrie and her team are in the final stages of signing a deal to participate on the hit ABC show -- and if all goes well, the former 'American Idol' champion will shortly join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as the next judge, taking the count of Country singer judges on the panel to two.
Carrie is due to appear on 'Good Morning America' on August 2 as part of their summer concert series, but an official announcement might also be made that day. As you are aware, ABC is the parent firm.
Viewers of ABC are also familiar with her, since she emceed the CMA Awards on the Alphabet network from 2008 until 2019.
Carrie will be a busy celebrity if and when the contract is finalized, especially since she has extended her Resorts World residency in Las Vegas through 2025. The extra six gigs from the extended residency merely give her schedule even more leeway to accommodate filming for 'American Idol'. To put it another way, she is available for both.
Carrie has been one of the show's biggest success stories since winning Season 4 all the way back in 2005, so having her as a judge would be a massive coup. It would be a true "full circle" moment.
In addition to serving as a coach on 'American Idol' many times, Carrie made a guest appearance on the show's 2022 season finale. She gained notoriety in 2005 after winning Season 4 of 'American Idol', which was broadcast on FOX.
Carrie has achieved great success in the music industry, amassing 85 million records globally and winning eight Grammy Awards in the process.
Why did Katy Perry leave 'American Idol'?
After opting to go and concentrate on her own music career, Katy received a heartfelt farewell during the May finale of the previous season. In 2018, she became a part of 'American Idol' as it returned to ABC after years spent on FOX.
“I love the show so much, but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music,” she told Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“It’s going to be a very, very exciting year for all pop star girlies. Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”
She, Lionel, and Luke replaced old-school luminaries Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.
When will 'American Idol' Season 23 air?
The debut of 'American Idol's 23rd season is scheduled for early 2025. Live online auditions are scheduled to start on August 12.
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Who is the longest-serving judge in 'American Idol'?
Randy first appeared on 'American Idol' in 2002 as one of the panel's three original judges. Randy, known for his distinctive language and catchphrases on the show — "it's a 'no' for me, dawg" and "pitchy" — is the show's longest-serving judge in history.
