In 2005, Carrie Underwood was the winner on American Idol’s 4th Season. That achievement launched the career of the multiple Grammy-winning country superstar. Now Underwood is set to return to familiar territory, as she is replacing Katy Perry as a judge on the upcoming season of American Idol. In an Instagram video announcing the news, young clips of Underwood were featured from her time on the show, captioned by: “🌟CARRIE🌟 From #AmericanIdol hopeful, to global icon…to IDOL judge! Home-grown superstar @carrieunderwood will join us for Season 8! ✨”  “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,” said Megan Wolflick, Idol showrunner and executive producer. The new season of American Idol will kick off in the spring of 2025. (Billboard)