Carrie Underwood is finally set to make her American Idol debut as a judge after winning the singing competition nearly two decades ago. The country music star, 41, was announced as Katy Perry's official replacement on the ABC revival of the show , now entering its 23rd season. She will join fellow country singer Luke Bryan and '80s crooner Lionel Richie as a part of the judging panel with Ryan Seacrest still as the host (and the one who announced her as the winner of season four back in 2005 ).
Idol has finally released its first look at the new judging panel for this season featuring Carrie alongside Luke, Lionel and Ryan , and she already looks incredible. The singer posed for the snap in a chic Barbie pink belted mini dress with large button detailing and an attached cape , really giving Elle Woods in Legally Blonde energy. Her outfit showed off her extremely toned legs, which were adorned with baby blue pointed toe stiletto heels , and her hair was styled in long and loose waves, as she sported a relatively light face of make-up.
"HERE WE ARE," the caption alongside the photo reads, highlighting that auditions have hit New York City. "Back in the big city looking for the BEST and brightest talent!!!! Season 23 starts in Spring '25!" MORE: Carrie Underwood's unusual complaint with son Jacob, 5, revealed: 'I never thought I'd say' Fans were thrilled to finally see Carrie back on the show looking her absolute best, reacting with comments like: "Carrie Underwood is now a jud.