Carrie Underwood is replacing Katy Perry as a judge on American Idol.
Fireworks singer Perry, 39, made her final appearance as a judge on the talent show in May after seven seasons on the panel.
Country super star Underwood, 41, is now set to take her place behind the judges desk alongside Lionel Richie, 75, and Luke Bryan, 48.
According to Bryan, Pink, Miley Cyrus and Meghan Trainor had all been "in talks" for the job.
He told Billboard: "I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks."
The singer-songwriter also told the publication that he thought Perry would be a tough act to follow, adding: "Katy was really perfect for that job, and I think they’re just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did."
Underwood is the natural choice.
She won the fourth series of the show back in 2005 and has gone on to become one American Idol’s most successful winners in the show’s history having won eight Grammy Awards and had four of her eight albums hit the top of the US charts.
The stars also appear to have aligned with next year marking the 20th anniversary of her win.
Speaking about the coup, Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group said: “This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on ‘Idol’ and launched her successful multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television.
“This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of American Idol, added: “Carrie Underwood is the first ‘American Idol’ alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful ‘Idol’ winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show.
“She embodies the true spirit of ‘Idol’ as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way. Carrie has always been a strong supporter of ‘Idol,’ and I’m thrilled for her to be reunited with our ‘Idol’ Family.”
The new season of American Idol is slated to air in early 2025 with live and virtual auditions set to begin this summer on August 12.
