Carrie Underwood is returning to American Idol as a juror nearly two decades after her victory on the show.

On Wednesday, October 2, the 41-year-old singer participated in a photo call in New York with the show's longstanding host, Ryan Seacrest, 48, and fellow judges Lionel Richie, 75, and Luke Bryan, 48.

Underwood stated that her initial days as a juror on Idol "are really great."

"There were so many really nice, sweet, wonderful people waiting for their dreams to come true, and sometimes you have to say, 'not today,'" she gave a response to Entertainment Tonight's inquiry about the contestants when she was asked about her anticipations for her debut on ABC at the beginning of 2025.

The longstanding presenter, Seacrest, could not contain his excitement for the diva's new role as she considered the probable candidates for the next Season 25. The singer of "Church Bells" was one of the contenders.

"It seems like yesterday... I know she'd be great," he exclaimed. I have the same color as Carrie now. " He also mentioned his tresses.

Following Katy Perry's departure from the series earlier this year, Underwood officially announced her new endeavor.

"I think it's a good choice," former Idol judge Simon Cowell, 64, stated after the announcement.
"Carrie, we go back a long way. I remember her audition as if it were yesterday. She was so good, she's such a sweet person," he included.

During August, Underwood made a statement indicating that she is not solely affiliated with country music and is regarded as versatile in terms of the guidance that she hopes to offer to the next generation of aspiring musicians.

"Hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I’m thinking,"

Her revelation of this knowledge took place on August 23, at an unanticipated engagement at the Music Row Happy Hour hosted by SiriusXM in Las Vegas.

When she is seated next to Bryan and Richie, the music icon also reveals her approach to the candidates for the singing role, as OK! Magazine previously reported.

“I have a problem,” Underwood stated during the August GMA Summer Concert Series on ABC. “I can’t lie. I feel like I’ll be very honest but hopefully I’ll also be very constructive and encouraging.”