Country music fans and Idol watchers listen up! Big news in the singing competition world Carrie Underwood is officially joining American Idol Season 23 as a judge! Yep the superstar who Won season 4 way back in 2005 is coming back to where it all started but this time she is in charge. Get ready for some country charm and expert advice because Carrie is ready to mentor a new generation of hopefuls.
From Idol Winner to Judge's Seat: Carrie Underwood's Amazing Full Circle Moment
Talk about a success story. Carrie Underwood's journey is seriously inspiring. It has been 20 years since she auditioned for American Idol and totally blew everyone away. She went on to win that season and become a massive star. Eight Grammys nine studio albums and millions of records sold later she is one of the biggest names in music. And now she is coming back to Idol to help others achieve their dreams.
It is a true full circle moment for Carrie. She knows exactly what those contestants are going through. She has been in their shoes felt the pressure of auditions and knows what it takes to win the whole thing. Who better to guide the next American Idol winner than someone who has actually lived that dream?
What Kind of Judge Will Carrie Be? Honest Kind and Constructive According to Her
So what can we expect from Judge Carrie? Well she has already given us a hint. She said she plans to be "honest and constructive but still kind". That sounds like a great balance right? She gets that these contestants are putting their dreams on the line. She wants to give helpful feedback but also be supportive. She understands that this is a big deal for these singers and she wants to be part of their story in a positive way.
Carrie is replacing Katy Perry who decided to leave Idol after Season 22 to focus on her own music. Katy had a fun and sometimes quirky style of judging so Carrie will definitely bring a different vibe to the panel. But with her own experience and country background she will add a unique and valuable perspective.
The Dream Team is Back: Carrie Underwood Joins Lionel Richie Luke Bryan and Ryan Seacrest
Carrie is not the only familiar face on the Idol panel. Longtime judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are also returning for Season 23. These two have become fan favorites for their expertise and their fun on-screen chemistry. And of course Ryan Seacrest is back to host for his 23rd season. He is basically the face of American Idol at this point.
With Carrie joining Lionel Luke and Ryan it is a real dream team of music pros. You have country pop R&B and a host who has seen it all. It is going to be exciting to see how they all work together and mentor the new contestants.
Carrie's American Idol Salary: Is It Half of Katy Perry's? Breaking Down the Numbers
Of course everyone is curious about salaries right? There are reports that Carrie Underwood is making around $12.5 million per season as an American Idol judge . That is a huge amount of money. But it is also reported to be about half of what Katy Perry was making at $25 million per season.
Why the difference? Some insiders suggest it might be because Carrie has history with the show and sees it as a way to give back. Plus she has been associated with Idol for a long time so maybe she did not need as big of a paycheck to come back. It is also noted that no one has ever made as much as Simon Cowell who was reportedly earning $36 million per season back in the day. Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan also make big bucks with Luke earning a bit more than Lionel.
But let's be real Carrie Underwood is doing just fine financially. Her net worth is estimated to be around $120 million thanks to her massive music success touring endorsements and business ventures. So she is not hurting for cash either way.
How to Watch American Idol Season 23: Premiere Date Time and Streaming Options
Ready to watch Carrie and the gang? American Idol Season 23 premieres on Sunday March 9th at 8 PM Eastern and Pacific Time. It will be airing on ABC. If you have cable you are all set. If you are a cord-cutter no worries there are plenty of ways to watch.
You can catch Idol live on streaming services that carry ABC like DirecTV Stream YouTube TV Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. Many of these even offer free trials so you can test them out. If you do not mind waiting a bit episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after they air on TV which is Mondays.
Key Things to Know About American Idol Season 23:
- Carrie Underwood is a new judge! She replaces Katy Perry and brings her Idol winner experience to the panel.
- Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are back. The fan-favorite judges return along with host Ryan Seacrest.
- Season 23 premieres March 9th on ABC. Mark your calendars for the two-hour premiere.
- Stream on Hulu next day. Catch episodes on Hulu if you miss the live broadcast.
- New "Artist in Residence" role. Jelly Roll is the first musician to mentor contestants in Hollywood Week.
Get Ready for a New Idol Era with Carrie Underwood at the Helm!
American Idol Season 23 is shaping up to be exciting. With Carrie Underwood joining the judges table it brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the show. Get ready for amazing talent heartfelt stories and of course Carrie's journey back to Idol. It is going to be a season you will not want to miss!