The 23rd season of American Idol is slated to be one for the record books, especially for country fans. The season kicks off in early 2025 with mainstay judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, plus a newcomer: Carrie Underwood.
Though Underwood has a storied history with Idol — she’s one of the most successful winners in the show’s history after being crowned in 2005 — she’s a newbie at the judges’ table. So, she’s not quite “chummy” with the standing judges, Bryan and Richie.
Bryan said as much during a recent chat with Taste of Country Nights, with the “All My Friends Say” singer explaining the inner workings of their still-growing friendship.
When asked if the three judges have a group text thread going yet, Bryan said … sorta. Well, no. “Me and Lionel and Carrie Underwood haven’t built our American Idol thread yet,” he says.
“I still have me and Katy and Lionel, still have me and Katy and Lionel and Ryan,” he adds. “Katy” is, of course, pop singer Katy Perry, whom Underwood will replace when she joins the show.
“We gotta get the, me, Carrie and Lionel now, so we’re working on that,” Bryan says.
“We’ll have to go to dinner in a couple of weeks, we’ll see how quick Carrie is to accept giving her phone number to me and Lionel,” he jokes. “So we’ll see.”
It will be fun for fans to see how their camaraderie builds in the first few episodes of the new American Idol season. Bryan admits that he has never really hung out with Underwood, other than to play some songs together at shows over the years.
A premiere date for Season 23 of American Idol has not been publicized, but it will keep its weekly Sunday night air slot.
20 Things Carrie Underwood Has Done Since Winning ‘American Idol’
Carrie Underwood has been, well, busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Since the confetti fell, the country singer has released nine albums and embarked on seven tours. She’s also tried her hand at acting and launched a handful of businesses.
Over the years she’s become one of the biggest success stories to come out of the show, winning countless awards and amassing a staggering net worth of over $100 million.
Keep scrolling to see 20 things Underwood has done since her time on the reality singing competition.
A Look Back at Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’
Carrie Underwood had a truly unforgettable run on American Idol, and though she’s moved on to become one of country music’s biggest superstars, she’s never forgotten her roots on the show.
Flip through the gallery below to see Underwood’s history on Idol, from her journey to being the Season 4 champion in 2005 to all the times she’s returned to the show.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
34 Pictures of Luke Bryan Young
Luke Bryan has been a force in country music pretty much since he arrived in Nashville in 2005. “All My Friends Say” started the fire for him as a solo artist — and the rest is history. Let’s take a walk through time with 34 pictures of Luke Bryan young.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul