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Carrie Underwood is heading back to “American Idol.”
The Grammy-winning singer, 41, is expected to be named a new judge of the singing competition show that made her famous, according to Deadline.
Underwood will join judges Lionel Richie, 75, and Luke Bryan, 48, while replacing Katy Perry, 39, who announced earlier this year that she would be leaving the show. Perry served as a judge for all seven seasons that aired on ABC.

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on “American Idol.”ABC
The Disney-owned network rebooted “Idol” in 2018. It was previously broadcast on Fox from 2002 to 2016.
Underwood won season four of the series in 2005 before selling 85 million records and taking home 8 Grammys, making her one of the most famous and successful “American Idol” alumni.
She also has considerable experience as a host, having returned to “Idol” several times over the years as a mentor and hosting the CMA Awards on ABC between 2008 and 2019.

Carrie Underwood performs during Windy City Smokeout on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the United Center in Chicago.Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP

Carrie Underwood sings at the “American Idol” final performance show at the Kodak Theatre on May 24, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.Getty Images
ABC has been on the hunt for Perry’s replacement over the past few months. Other famous names the network was reportedly considering included Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Pink, and Meghan Trainor.
In an interview with Billboard released on July 1, Bryan elaborated on the search for a new judge.
“It’s been interesting. It’s been something Disney [has] been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel [Richie] and Ryan [Seacrest],” he said.
“We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”

Katy Perry served as judge on “American Idol” since 2018.ABC

Katy Perry is seen arriving at her hotel in London on July 25, 2024 in London, England.GC Images
Back in 2018, just before Perry joined the sing-off, rumors spread that Kelly Clarkson, the original “Idol” winner, was being courted by ABC as a judge for the first season of their reboot. But Clarkson jumped aboard another singing competition series, “The Voice,” to play the role of judge.
“American Idol” was renewed for its 23rd season – its 8th on ABC – just before the season 7 series finale aired on May 19. The show has been bringing in solid ratings for the Disney-owned network.
Having left “Idol,” Perry has been focusing on making new music as of late.

Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan on Disney night of “American Idol.”ABC
“I love ‘Idol’ so much, it’s connected me with the heart of America,” she told Jimmy Kimmel in February. “But I feel like I need to go out to feel that pulse of my own beat.”
Perry released her latest single, “Woman’s World,” on July 11.
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