American Idol fans couldn’t handle their emotions after a viral video teased the legendary return of Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood—not as a contestant, but as a judge.
Nearly two decades after her life-changing victory, the country queen is set to grace the panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, marking a full-circle moment that fans can’t stop buzzing about.
Carrie will reportedly rake in a cool $12 million for her judging debut, a modest sum compared to Katy Perry’s $25 million paycheck before she bowed out last year after a seven-season run.
In a heartstring-tugging promo, ABC unveiled a clip showcasing Carrie’s journey—from her fresh-faced audition to winning it all and, now, claiming her spot as a judge.
Social media exploded with fans’ enthusiasm, with one user declaring, ‘Aww, this gives me chills and made me want to cry. This is so awesome! I always voted for Carrie, and now look at her!’
Another proudly proclaimed, ‘That’s our girl!’
American Idol fans couldn’t handle their emotions after a viral video teased the legendary return of Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood —not as a contestant, but as a judge
Nearly two decades after her life-changing victory, the country queen is set to grace the panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan , marking a full-circle moment that fans can’t stop buzzing about
‘i’m not crying you’re crying,’ posted one, as another agreed, writing ‘Why did this make me so emotional.’
Host Ryan Seacrest, who famously announced Carrie Underwood as the winner of American Idol back in Season 4, 2005, couldn’t hide his excitement over her return.
Sharing throwback photos from that iconic moment, he wrote, ‘It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner of @americanidol 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table. Welcome home, @carrieunderwood!’
