Carrie Underwood will return to American Idol, the beloved talent competition series that kickstarted her iconic career in 2005. Now, as one of the biggest artists in country music, Underwood is getting ready to release another studio album next month. She's also in the midst of her own Las Vegas Residency — and this season’s Top 5 contestants will meet the “Ghost Story” singer there when she serves as a mentor. Idol announced:
“Well, here’s a dream come true! [American Idol] icon [Carrie Underwood] will mentor the Top 5, live from the home of her Las Vegas residency ‘REFLECTION’ at [Resorts World Las Vegas]! Who better to help our hopefuls earn a place in the Grand Finale?”
Underwood said she “can’t wait” to return to American Idol as a mentor to the Top 5 contestants, which includes Noah Thompson, Nicolina Bozzo, Hunter Wolkonowski (a.k.a. HunterGirl), Leah Marlene and Fritz Hager. Underwood will join a list of other country artists to return to American Idol this season, including Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen — both serving as mentors — and Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, who performed a jaw-dropping duet during “The Great Idol Reunion” to mark the milestone 20th season of the show. See American Idol’s announcement here: