American Idol 2025: Carrie Underwood First Look With the Judges Panel
American Idol has kicked off its 2025 judges auditions in New York City, and fans now have a first glimpse of the refreshed judges panel. Season 4 winner and country music superstar Carrie Underwood takes her place on the panel alongside longtime judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host. This marks the most notable change to the lineup since the show moved to Disney/ABC, as Carrie replaces pop star Katy Perry, who stepped away after last season to focus on her music career.
Carrie’s arrival on the judges’ panel comes roughly 20 years after she first auditioned for American Idol. The competition, which aired on FOX at the time, crowned her the winner in May 2005. Her history with the show and subsequent success give her a distinct perspective she says will inform her approach to judging: someone who once sat in the contestants’ seats and now evaluates those same dreams from the other side of the table.
Carrie Believes She Can Judge Beyond Country and Be Critical Yet Kind
Some viewers have noted the presence of two country artists on the panel—Carrie and Luke—but Underwood stresses that her musical tastes and experience span many genres. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour, she explained that she approaches auditions with whatever musical lens the singer requires. “Hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I’m thinking,” she said. Carrie pointed out that while her roots are in country music, she has collaborated across styles and enjoys working outside the genre, citing recent collaborations that reflect her broader interests.
Carrie’s affection for rock and heavier music is well known; she has shared stages and musical moments with artists from different rock backgrounds. That variety of influences, she suggests, will help her judge fairly across a wide range of performers and styles.
On the kind of judge she intends to be, Underwood emphasized balance. “I think I can be honest and constructive but still kind,” she told the podcast. She added that contestants are pursuing lifelong dreams and that judges play a role in people’s stories, so candor should be offered with empathy. Her goal is to provide feedback that helps contestants grow while respecting the vulnerability of auditioning in front of millions.
Beyond personality and musical tastes, Carrie’s experience as a former contestant and successful recording artist will be immediately relevant during auditions. She can draw on firsthand knowledge of what it takes to sustain a music career after the initial spotlight, offering practical insight as well as artistic critique. That perspective may prove especially valuable to hopefuls navigating the gap between raw talent and long-term success.
The new lineup keeps veteran presence and continuity in place: Lionel Richie brings decades of pop and songwriting expertise, Luke Bryan contributes his country hit-making experience and familiarity with mainstream audiences, and Ryan Seacrest remains the steady host who has guided the series through many seasons. Together with Carrie, the panel aims to balance industry knowledge, genre variety, and an eye for star potential.
American Idol season 23 is scheduled to premiere on ABC midseason 2025.