For over two decades, American Idol has been a game-changer in the world of reality TV, featuring some of the biggest names in music as judges. Whether they’re rock legends or pop stars, the show's lineup has always been impressive. From Nicki Minaj to Steven Tyler to Paula Abdul, these musical icons have each brought their unique flair to the judging panel. Now, as Season 17 rolls out in 2024, we’re in for a historic twist: a former Idol winner will be taking a seat at the judge’s table for the very first time. That's right—Carrie Underwood is stepping into the spotlight, replacing Katy Perry and making history as one of the three main judges.
This news has definitely stirred up excitement, and it’s not just among the fans. Keith Urban, a Grammy-winning country music star and a former Idol judge himself, was recently asked about this development while walking the red carpet at the Academy of Country Music Honors. Urban, known for his hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and his past judging stints on the show, had nothing but praise for Underwood. The two have a history of collaboration, including their well-loved single “The Fighter,” which adds a personal touch to his enthusiastic endorsement.
Urban’s reaction was as warm as it was encouraging. “Heck yeah. She’s perfect for it,” he said, underscoring that Underwood’s experience as a past contestant gives her a unique edge. Unlike current judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Underwood knows firsthand what the contestants are going through. Urban believes she will bring something extraordinary to the judging role, and it’s clear he’s excited about this change.
It’s hard not to feel a bit nostalgic and emotional about this announcement. Urban’s pride in Underwood is palpable, and it’s easy to see why. For many of us, seeing Carrie Underwood transition from a contestant to a judge is like watching a full-circle moment unfold. Remember when she first auditioned and won the show exactly 20 years ago? That golden ticket moment is forever etched in our memories. Now, as a seasoned star, she’s set to bring a fresh and relatable perspective to the panel, making this a particularly sweet development.
Of course, there were other names tossed around before Underwood was chosen. Current judge Luke Bryan suggested a few high-profile names like Miley Cyrus and P!nk. Katy Perry even threw Jelly Roll into the mix as a potential replacement, which definitely stirred up some buzz. But in the end, the producers seemed to lean towards someone with a proven track record on Idol, and Underwood’s history with the show made her an ideal candidate.
Originally, Kelly Clarkson, the very first Idol champion, was also considered for the role. However, Clarkson had already stepped away from The Voice to focus on her family and her daytime talk show. She wasn’t quite ready to jump back into the Idol arena, so the spotlight turned to Underwood, who ticked all the right boxes.
As Underwood steps into the role of the “tough judge,” a position once defined by Simon Cowell’s sharp critiques, Urban offered some straightforward advice. “Just be herself. That’s all she’s gotta do. She can handle Luke, trust me.” This advice is spot-on; Underwood’s authenticity and experience will undoubtedly resonate well with both the contestants and the audience.
Watching Carrie Underwood evolve from a hopeful contestant to a celebrated judge is a reminder of the show's impact and its ability to create lasting careers. The emotional journey of seeing her on the other side of the desk, offering guidance to future stars, is nothing short of heartwarming. For the contestants, having a judge who has walked in their shoes will surely be comforting and inspiring.
Looking ahead, this fresh change promises to bring a new dynamic to the show. American Idol Season 17 will debut on ABC in February 2025, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. With Underwood’s addition to the panel, we can expect a blend of excitement and nostalgia that will likely draw in viewers and keep them hooked.
So, get ready to mark your calendars and set your DVRs, because the new season is shaping up to be an exciting one!
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