Yes. Carrie Underwood won American Idol in 2005 (Season 4) and returned to the show as a judge in 2025 for Season 23, replacing Katy Perry alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. She is the first Idol winner to become a judge on the series, and she has been announced to return for Season 24 in 2026.
Last refreshed August 5, 2026
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Carrie Underwood auditioned in St. Louis and won the fourth season of American Idol on May 25, 2005, beating runner-up Bo Bice. Twenty years later she returned to the show from the other side of the table: she joined the judging panel for Season 23 in 2025, taking the seat Katy Perry vacated after seven seasons, alongside returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
What season of American Idol did Carrie Underwood win?
She won Season 4 of American Idol on May 25, 2005, beating runner-up Bo Bice. She had auditioned in St. Louis.
Who did Carrie Underwood replace as a judge on American Idol?
She took the seat Katy Perry vacated after seven seasons, joining the panel for Season 23 in 2025 on ABC.
Who are the other judges on American Idol with Carrie Underwood?
She judges alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who were both returning judges when she joined for Season 23.
Is Carrie Underwood coming back to American Idol in 2026?
Yes. Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were announced to return as judges for Season 24 in 2026.
Has an American Idol winner ever become a judge on the show before?
No. Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol winner ever to become a judge on the series.