Ryan Seacrest reflected on the moment Carrie Underwood won American Idol in 2005 as he paid tribute to the globally-beloved country artist’s full-circle moment on Thursday (August 1). Hours earlier, Underwood confirmed she would return to Idol as a judge next season, two decades after her victory.
The longtime host of the competition show posted throwback photos on Instagram with Underwood, including one of the winning moment that launched her career. Seacrest wrote in his caption: “It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner of [American Idol] 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table. Welcome home, [Carrie Underwood]!”
“Thank you Ryan!” Underwood wrote in the comments. “Excited to be coming back home! ❤️”
Underwood confirmed she would return to American Idol as a judge after reports emerged on Wednesday (July 31) that the country star would fill Katy Perry’s spot on the celebrity judge panel. Perry confirmed earlier this year that she would exit the show after serving as a judge for several seasons. Underwood will join returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. She shared a nostalgic video on Thursday morning — including footage from her audition and performances on American Idol — to confirm her role on the next season of the show. Underwood has previously returned as a mentor and as a performer.
Underwood will appear as an American Idol judge in spring 2025.