Season 24 of American Idol is officially green-lit at ABC—but one pivotal question hangs in the air: will Carrie Underwood return to her judges’ chair?

The anticipation is electric. Since ABC revived the show in 2018, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have become its guiding souls. But now, speculation whirls around Carrie’s fate: after joining the panel in 2025, will she stand beside them once more—or walk away from the echoing spotlight?

🔥 From Idol Champion to Idol Judge: A 20-Year Journey

In 2005, a 22-year-old Carrie Underwood burst onto the scene, seizing victory in Season 4 of American Idol. Two decades later, she reclaimed that hallowed stage—but this time, not as a star in the making, but as the star evaluator. She filled the seat vacated by Katy Perry after Season 22, stepping in as the first-ever Idol alumnus to join the judging elite.

Her debut was more than symbolic—it represented transformation. Former Idol winners often fade into memory. Carrie reclaimed her roots and infused the judges’ table with unmatched authority, insight, and empathy born from her own rise to fame.

🎙️ “She Brought Something Spectacular…”

Idol executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick recalls the day she watched a rehearsal: “It’s a bit of a risk,” she admitted—but quickly tempered her words. “She knows Hollywood Week, live shows… she knows what it’s like to have confetti showered on her” .

Being an Idol judge isn’t just about critiquing slick performances—it’s a delicate role. Carrie didn’t simply slot into someone else’s mold. “You’re not just subbing for someone else,” Wolflick emphasized. Instead, Carrie created her own voice—one rooted in experience and heartfelt insight.

Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan nodded in agreement. Bryan confessed they’d been tempted to eliminate certain contestants—until Carrie reminded them exactly what it felt like to be on stage for the first time. Underwood’s compassion was genuine: “She didn’t know how to say ‘no’ to anybody,” Richie explained with a fond laugh.

🧩 Finding Her Footing: Uneasy Beginnings, Poised Performance

At first, Carrie admitted to butterflies. “I was pretty nervous,” she told TV Insider. But as the episodes rolled on, she bloomed—less tentative, more confident. “Practice always helps,” she said simply.

Her chemistry with Lionel and Luke came naturally. “I’ve known Luke for a long time,” she observed. And with Lionel, “easiest person to be around.” Their on‑air banter wasn’t forced—it hummed with genuine camaraderie

Megan Wolflick couldn’t hide her excitement: “There’s just magic here with Carrie… This season is one for the books.” So much so that she added, “I would be happy” to have Carrie back alongside the returning co‑hosts

❓ But There’s a Twist: The Return Is Not a Given

After the Season 23 finale on May 18, Underwood left audiences hanging. Asked if she’d return, she smiled, “That would be cool, I think”—but offered no firm commitment. Since then, fans have clamored for clarity.

ABC has not announced the Season 24 judging lineup yet, and insiders say the ball is in Carrie’s court

Recently, fans have echoed mixed signals: some applauding Carrie’s tough-love approach, others criticizing her tone compared to mentors like Lin‑Manuel Miranda. Meanwhile, other sources highlight Carrie’s discomfort being away from her Tennessee family and reticence towards Hollywood’s glare.

🧭 A Crossroads: Family vs. Fame

Carrie Underwood is no stranger to balancing worlds. Between her Vegas residency, touring, and managing her life as a mother of two, she’s learned restraint. Fans have noticed a restless energy in her demeanor during the finals—some even suggest she looked uneasy as winner Jamal Roberts was announced.

With her fitness app, family-focused brand, and burgeoning business endeavors, Carrie’s plate is full . The constant shuffle into LA to film Idol might stretch her too thin. And sources say she’s seriously pondering whether this chapter—while powerful—was always meant to continue .

🎯 The Verdict: Will Carrie Step Back In?

The world watches, breath held. American Idol is renewed, but her seat remains empty—jeweled with opportunity, yet shadowed by uncertainty. Can she return to mentor young talents just as she once was?

Producers and co‑judges hail her as irreplaceable—a singular voice forged by triumph, perseverance, and humility. The Idol family has embraced her. But her heart may whisper toward home.

One thing is sure: whatever she decides, it will define another pivot in a story that began with a hopeful voice in St. Louis—and has now grown into an icon who can choose when to shine… and when to rest.

🔊 We Want to Hear From You

Should Carrie Underwood return to American Idol Season 24? Share your vote and join the conversation below—because when she returns, it won’t just be a seat filled. It’ll be a statement made.