Carrie Underwood is making her return to American Idol. After winning season 4 in 2005, she’s joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the singing competition’s 23rd season. The country music star is now taking a seat on the other side of the table as a judge—20 years after she took home the prize herself.

Carrie has proven to be one of the most successful artists to come out of the show. She’s said to be the most awarded country singer in history with an impressive eight Grammys and has sold more than 85 million records worldwide. So it stands to reason that she’d be highly paid for her involvement on the show that gave her career its start.

american idol cast

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According to Life & Style, Carrie’s American Idol salary is about $12.5 million per season. And while that is certainly a hefty sum, it is half of what Katy Perry made at $25 million per season. An insider told Life & Style that the discrepancy is due to Carrie’s history with the show: “She’s been part of the Idol family since its early days and she has a vested interest in the franchise continuing. She’s also just a natural at using her [past] appearances on the show to promote her own music, something we’re seeing Katy struggle with now that she’s back to being a full time pop star.”

Since the show premiered in 2002, no one has come close to Simon Cowell’s $36 million salary. Lionel makes a reported $10 million and Luke Bryan rakes in around $12 million.

Of course, Carrie isn’t exactly hurting for money. After nine albums, headlining tours, and a Las Vegas residency, her net worth is estimated to be a whopping $120 million.