In 2005, American Idol introduced the world to Carrie Underwood, a small-town Oklahoma girl with a big voice and bigger dreams. Nearly 20 years later, the “Before He Cheats” singer has sold 85 million records worldwide, collected eight GRAMMYs, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Next year, Underwood will return to the show that made her career—this time as a judge. And she will do so with the support of a fellow champion and former judge.

Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson Show Support For Carrie Underwood

Keith Urban knows a thing or two about judging singing competitions on reality TV. The “Blue Ain’t Your Color” singer served as a judge on American Idol during seasons 12 through 15. And he believes Carrie Underwood is exactly what the show needs in its 23rd season.

“She’s gonna be great,” Urban enthused during a recent interview with Taste of Country Nights. “I mean, it’s such an advantage when you’ve been on the other side of the desk, like Carrie has, because she knows what they’re all going through. She’s a great call for that position, she’s gonna do excellent.”

Kelly Clarkson, the show’s first-ever champ, also has high hopes for the 23-time CMT Award winner. “I think that’s brilliant,” Clarkson said during a recent interview with E! News. “What better person? To have somebody that’s won the show to come back… To be able to have gone through it all and then have such a huge career like her—that’s invaluable. I think she’s gonna do great.”

The “Breakaway” singer also previously served as a judge on The Voice. So she has seen how firsthand experience comes in clutch when interacting with aspiring artists.

The ‘American Idol’ OG Weighs In

American Idol Day 1 fans will remember Simon Cowell. The prickly British record executive punctured many a dream during his time as a judge, which lasted from 2002 to 2010. But what does Cowell think of Carrie Underwood replacing Katy Perry?

“You just gotta say how you feel. It’s not that difficult doing this job, I promise you,” he told E! News. “We all feel the same things and we don’t agree, thank God. Otherwise, life would be boring. And just enjoy it.”