Carrie Underwood is getting ready to make her return to the American Idol TV show, 20 years after she was crowned the Season 4 winner. This time, Underwood will serve as a judge for Season 23, working alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Ahead of the season premiere, Underwood gave fans a glimpse of her life as a contestant, by reading an excerpt from her journal while she was on Idol.
“Let’s take a look at my journal, from when I was on American Idol,” Underwood begins, reading what she wrote in one of her entries. “I just have to keep in mind that it will all be worth it, and the life I’ve started will be great. Most importantly, I have to remember that this has all been my choice, and it’s something I’ve wanted ever since I was a little girl. I know I have some great things ahead of me. Right now, I’m just trying to live in the moment, and appreciate it all. I never dreamed that all of this would happen to me. I love it.”
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In addition to judging alongside Bryan and Richie, the mother of two will also host a new digital series, #IdoltoIcon, where Underwood will share more of her own journey, while also helping guide new contestants as well.
Underwood’s new chapter as part of American Idol unfortunately means the end of another chapter: her REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency. Underwood will perform her finals shows in April, after launching the residency in 2021.
“I have absolutely loved performing in Las Vegas over the past three years,” Underwood said when announcing the residency was coming to a close. “I am so proud of the REFLECTION production, which is truly one of my favorite shows to perform. It’s been so special to reflect on the greatest hits that have defined my career so far and to get to share them with the fans that come to Vegas from all over the world.”
Underwood feels honored to be part of American Idol again. Although two decades have passed since she was on the hit reality TV talent show, she says in many ways things have stayed largely the same.
“it feels like home,” Underwood tells Good Morning America. “There are so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant. And I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint.”
Season 23 of American Idol will premiere on Sunday, March 9, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
Photo Credit: Ryan Seacrest Images / Kristina Bumphery