Carrie Underwood, who won the fourth season of "American Idol" in 2005, is set to join the judges' table in the upcoming 23rd season of the show.
CNN reported, citing an unnamed source close to "American Idol," that Underwood will replace Katy Perry, who left at the end of the last season.
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are also expected to return next season.
Underwood is likely the most successful "American Idol" alum in the show's history with eight Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, and nine Country Music Association honors. Furthermore, eight of her albums have topped Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, and four have reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Perry announced in February that she wanted to concentrate on her music career and that "American Idol" Season 22 would be her final season as a judge.
"I love the show so much, but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music," she said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" at the time. "It's going to be a very, very exciting year for all pop star girlies. Let's just say I'm creating space for my new wingspan."
Two years after Fox ended "American Idol's" original 15-season run, she, Richie, and Bryan comprised the show's judging panel for its seven-season run on ABC.
Bryan opened up to Billboard Monday about the hunt for a new judge.
"It's been interesting. It's been something Disney [has] been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel [Richie] and Ryan [Seacrest]," he said.
He added, "We currently haven't heard what the story is on who's coming back and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do, and we're just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide."
Several candidates were considered during the search for Perry's replacement, including Pink, Miley Cyrus, and Meghan Trainor.
"American Idol" Season 23 is set to debut in early 2025. Live online auditions are expected to start on Aug. 12.
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