Remember that moment in 2005 when Carrie Underwood, with her powerhouse vocals and infectious energy, stole the hearts of America and walked away with the American Idol crown? Well, get ready for a full circle moment as the country music superstar takes her place on the judge’s table!

Carrie Underwood is officially replacing Katy Perry on American Idol, joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for Season 25. This news has sent fans into a frenzy, eager to witness the journey of a former Idol champion turned judge.

Carrie Underwood is heading back to American Idol to replace longtime judge Katy Perry for season 23.

The news was confirmed by ABC on Thursday, August 1in a Instagram video that followed Underwood, 41, from her start on Idol to stardom and beyond.

This prompted fans to take to social media to support the Oklahoma native in her next adventure and the public had strong feelings about Underwood’s comeback.

“I begrudgingly watched #IDOL periodically over the last few years. It was boring to me, just didn’t have that excitement of the first years. If this is true and my favorite #AmericanIdol is going to be a judge. I will be watching every episode!” wrote one fan on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“I feel like a lot of people will be like you!” another X user wrote in response to the first fan. “I have watched it for like the last 7-8 years because I liked watching Luke and Katy (and of course the talent) but Luke and Carrie have a goofy and playful relationship too so I’m excited to see that if he is still a judge as well.”

Others took to the American Idol Instagram video and gushed even more.

“You guys couldn’t have picked better than this. Carrie is one of the reasons American Idol became an iconic show,” one follower commented.

“The absolute best option for the next judge – haven’t watched in years and now I’ll definitely be watching again!!” another declared.

“She’s so amazing!! My daughter absolutely loves her!! We haven’t watched in years!! We will be watching now,” praised a third fan.

Underwood even got some love from the show’s longstanding host, Ryan Seacrest, who wrote on the American Idol post, “She’s going to be fantastic. Welcome home!”

Season 23 of American Idol is set to air in spring 2025 on ABC.