As part of your 2025 TV premiere schedule, American Idol made its return on March 9th, along with longtime judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. However, a new addition to the competition series was beloved Idol winner,

Carrie Underwood is a judge on American Idolnow, and she recently joined a contestant singing Korn and Drowning Pool classics during his audition. The country vocalist became a superstar after winning the fourth season of American Idol back in 2005.

But this year will feel a little different with Katy Perry stepping down. Perry has served as a judge since the series was rebooted in Season 16. After Season 22, Perry turned her attention to releasing music and touring.