When Carrie Underwood was just a 21-year-old inspiring singer auditioning for American Idol in 2004, the show’s host Ryan Seacrest followed her from the very beginning. Now, platinum records, grammy awards, and almost 20 seasons of the show later, Underwood is getting ready to return to the show, this time as a judge!
And, of course, Seacrest can’t wait to share the screen with her once again. “Ryan couldn’t be more excited, since he has been there every step of the way with Carrie,” Idol‘s showrunner and executive producer Megan Wolflick told Entertainment Tonight. “He was like just over the moon about it.”
Alongside Underwood will be now-veteran Idol judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. “The guys are so excited, too,” Wolflick added. “I mean obviously they both know her, they’re excited to work with her.”
Wolflick too shared her excitement for Underwood’s new role, which will be replacing Katy Perry on the show after seven seasons of her in the judging seat.
“Well, it is 20 years since she auditioned in St. Louis for American Idol, and to have the first-ever Idol alum on the panel has always been something that’s been interesting to me,” Wolflick admitted. “She is our queen, she is our icon of American Idol.”
“We have been searching, you know, and obviously talking to Carrie for a little bit here,” she explained. “It has been a little over 2 months since the [season 22] finale, but these talks have been going on for a while and we’ve been really excited to make it all happen.”
Speaking of the news on Good Morning America, the “Before He Cheats” singer said her new role “feels like going home.”
“There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there from when I was a contestant,” she said. “I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be hopefully able to offer some insight and help and kind of a different viewpoint.”
As for what type of judge she’ll be, Underwood’s hopeful about her judging chops. “I feel like I’ll be very honest but hopefully very constructive and encouraging,” she said. We can’t wait!
Before you go, click here for more documentaries about strong women in music.
