Carrie Underwood returns to ‘American Idol’ roots, reveals what she looks for in contestants

Carrie Underwood’s return to “American Idol” has been 20 years in the making.

The “Before He Cheats” singer was recently selected to replace Katy Perry on the judges panel for the hit competition show’s 25th season.

During an appearance on SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour inside Resorts World Las Vegas, Underwood opened up about the three ways she plans to fairly evaluate the contestants.

“I think I can be honest and creative, but still be kind,” she told Buzz Brainard. “I think that’s the whole point because people are coming in, and you know … it’s dreams.”

“From that moment on, you become a part of someone’s story. I think it’s important to be honest, but I think it’s also very important to be kind. Hopefully I can tie all of that together,” Underwood said.

In 2005, the “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer took home the top prize and won “American Idol.” Underwood reflected on the two decades since her chance appearance on the show that made her one of the biggest country music stars of all time.

“It’s been twenty years … since I auditioned, in August, so yeah, so here we are,” she told Brainard about returning to her competition show roots.

The radio host said it’s also “kind of a win” that the jury will include two country artists, as Underwood will now sit alongside Luke Bryan.

“That’s right. Well, I think I’m very lucky that I’m so deeply rooted in country music, but I’m also able to be a part of so many other genres of music,” Underwood said.

“I mean, I have a song with Papa Roach right now. That’s a lot of fun. I think I’m versatile, and hopefully when I hear people audition I’ll be able to put any kind of lens on them, as far as the kind of music I’m thinking about.”

Auditions for the new season began on 12 August.

Underwood recently announced an extension of her “Reflection” Las Vegas residency at Resorts World, adding multiple shows through the spring of 2025.

He began his residency in December 2021, and due to popular demand, has extended the series multiple times.

It is yet to be determined what impact his work in Sin City will have on the filming and judging panel of the singing competition.

Perry announced in February on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that she would be leaving “American Idol” after seven seasons on the show.