Two decades ago, Carrie Underwood made her unforgettable mark on American Idol by auditioning during the fourth season of the reality music competition in 2005. Today, she stands as a multi-award-winning artist who excels as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, author, and actress. Excitingly, Underwood is set to return to the show that launched her career next year as a judge, stepping into the role previously held by Katy Perry. This opportunity not only reflects her remarkable journey but also her deep connection to the American Idol legacy, allowing her to inspire a new generation of aspiring artists.

On March 9, 2024, Underwood will join esteemed judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judges’ table during the highly anticipated season premiere of American Idol, which will air on ABC and be available for streaming on Hulu. This marks a significant moment not only for the show but also for Underwood as she returns to the platform that significantly contributed to her rise in the music industry. Fans are eager to see how she will influence the contestants with her wealth of experience and insight into the competitive world of music.

A newly released video previewing the upcoming season captures the exciting moment when Underwood entered the audition room as a judge for the very first time. This pivotal moment is intertwined with nostalgic footage from her original audition in 2005, where she captivated the judges by performing Bonnie Raitt’s timeless classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” During her audition, she showcased her extraordinary talent to then-judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson, who recognized her potential and greatness.

“Twenty years ago I was standing on a stage just like this one,” Underwood reflects in the video, evoking a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for her journey. Her words highlight the transformative experience of her American Idol journey and the impact it has had on her life and career.

“And now you’re sitting here with us,” replies Richie, acknowledging the incredible journey Underwood has taken from contestant to judge. This exchange exemplifies the show’s legacy of nurturing talent and allowing artists to evolve into influential figures within the music industry.

“That’s the power of American Idol,” Bryan adds, emphasizing the show’s unique ability to transform lives and careers, creating a platform for aspiring artists to shine and achieve their dreams.

Host Ryan Seacrest then engages the panel, asking, “So, should we save some lives together?” This light-hearted yet meaningful question captures the essence of the show’s mission to uplift and transform the lives of its contestants through music and mentorship.

“Let’s do this,” Underwood responds with a bright smile, embodying her enthusiasm and commitment to the upcoming season. Her positive energy sets the tone for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful season of talent discovery.

Since her triumphant win on American Idol, Underwood has achieved remarkable success, including 16 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, eight prestigious Grammy awards, and 16 ACM Awards. She has also created her own Reflection: The Las Vegas residency, which continues to attract audiences through April 2025. Beyond her music career, she published the book Find Your Path, launched the innovative fitness app Fit52, and has been the face of the NBC Sunday Night Football show open for 12 consecutive seasons. Additionally, she has introduced her own SiriusXM channel, Carrie’s Country, followed by popular shows like Carr-dio by Carrie’s Country and Savior Sunday Daily by Carrie’s Country, both streaming on the SiriusXM app. Recently, Underwood made a special guest appearance in comedian Nate Bargatze‘s holiday special that aired on CBS, further showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.