The American Idol judges’ panel is shifting once again, as Carrie Underwood will be stepping in for the exiting Katy Perry.

The country singer broke into the music industry when she won Season 4 of the reality singing competition in 2005. The judges for her season were Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, the latter of whom just gave his two cents on Underwood now sitting in his chair.

Simon Cowell’s Thoughts on Carrie Underwood as an American Idol Judge

“I think it’s a good choice,” Cowell tells E! News. “Carrie, we go back a long way. I remember her audition like it was yesterday. She was so good, she’s such a sweet person.”

Those are very kind words coming from a judge who was very hard to please during his time on the show. In fact, during her audition, Underwood revealed that she was nervous because of Cowell, saying, “he’s scary.”

Simon Cowell’s Advice as an Idol Judge

“You just gotta say how you feel,” he explains. “It’s not that difficult doing this job, I promise you. We all feel the same things and we don’t agree, thank God. Otherwise, life would be boring. And just enjoy it.”

Underwood is looking forward to her new role. Her knowledge from being a contestant on the show will serve her well and bring something new to the panel. She’ll be judging Season 23 alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

The “Hate My Heart” singer also has experience in a wide range of genres, which she knows will be beneficial for the show.

“I feel like I’ve been so blessed to obviously be so rooted in country music, but I’ve been able to be a part of many other genres or music as well,” she said on SiriusXM, citing her song with Papa Roach.

“I like to think that I am versatile and, hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I’m thinking,” she adds.

Jess hosts the syndicated radio show, Taste of Country Weekend, which can be heard on country stations nationwide. Tune in for all of the best new country music, spotlights on new tracks and emerging artists, plus Double-Downs on all of your favorites. The weekend is always better with a little Taste of Country in it.