The rumor mill is churning out some Grade-A gossip! Word on the street is that Carrie Underwood, the country queen who once put a baseball bat through her cheating ex’s windshield, is stepping into Katy Perry’s sparkly shoes as a judge on *American Idol* Season 23!
Yes, you heard that right. The 41-year-old superstar who belted out “Before He Cheats” like it was a battle cry for wronged women everywhere is now set to join the dynamic duo of Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judges’ panel. This news comes courtesy of THR, which is basically like the gossip grapevine but with more credibility.
Now, ABC hasn’t made anything official yet, but the word on the street is that Carrie will be strutting her stuff onto the Idol stage, mic in one hand and a plate of revenge served cold in the other, on August 1. This is the kind of full-circle moment that reality TV dreams are made of—Carrie, the country girl who snatched the Idol crown back in 2005, coming back to the show that made her a household name. It’s like the prodigal daughter returning, except with better hair and probably a way bigger wardrobe budget.
Meanwhile, Katy Perry, the queen of cotton candy wigs and outfits that defy the laws of physics, announced back in February that she’s hanging up her Idol judge robe after Season 22. “I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” she declared, probably while wearing something that could double as a chandelier. “I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.” Translation: She’s ready to take a break from critiquing amateur singers and get back to, I don’t know, riding giant lions at the Super Bowl or something.
Katy’s been with *American Idol* since ABC rebooted the show in 2018, bringing her unique brand of quirky charm, colorful ensembles, and the occasional face-melting vocal critiques to the table. But now, it looks like she’s ready to hand over the judging baton to Carrie, who, let’s be honest, might just bring a little bit of Southern sass to the table. And honestly, who doesn’t love a little sass with their side of talent critique?
So, get ready, America! Season 23 of *American Idol* might just be the most entertaining yet, with Carrie Underwood’s twang, Luke Bryan’s charm, and Lionel Richie’s, well, everything.
@tmz #CarrieUnderwood is close to taking #KatyPerry's place on #AmericanIdol! #TMZ's @charlieneff breaks down the #exclusive ♬ original sound – TMZ
