Is Carrie Underwood Coming Back to Judge ‘American Idol’ Season 24?

Carrie Underwood took on the challenge as an “American Idol” judge, but will the season 4 winner return next season to do it again? Underwood reflects on how the gig went and whether or not she’ll be back for season 24.

Carrie Underwood Addresses Possible Return as ‘American Idol’ Judge

Underwood has not yet been announced as a judge for “American Idol” season 24, but she’s not ruling out the possibility of returning.

She weighed in on the matter in a May 2025 interview with “Entertainment Tonight.” When asked, “Will you be back?” Underwood responded, “I don’t know!”

She added, “There’s lots to contemplate.”

During a May 2025 interview with TVLine, “American Idol” showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick shared her thoughts on Underwood’s role in season 23.

“I think she brought so much. She really had to carve out her own role. She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that,” Wolflick said.

The EP noted, “I think she brought a nostalgia factor, and I also like that she brought a little criticism and constructive feedback, which is very much needed. She knows back in her day how hard she was pushed every week to become the best. So I think she’s brought a lot to the show, and I hope people love it.”

Wolflick added, “She’s a bit of a discovery, too. I mean, who knew she was such a metal head?”

Carrie Underwood Reflects on ‘American Idol’ Judge Role

In the May 29 “Idol to Icon” YouTube video, Underwood reflected on her full-circle moment of returning to the show as a judge.

When asked, “How have you grown as a judge this season?” she shared, “I definitely feel like I have grown as a judge. Obviously, this is a role I have never been in before. I was really nervous about things I would have to say, advice I would have to give.”

Underwood continued, “You kind of don’t know how you’re going to act or react or come across when you’ve never been in a certain situation before. More than anything, I wanted to give constructive advice and help the hopefuls along the way. I feel like that’s the most important thing.”

She added, “Of course, I want viewers to enjoy what we’re doing, but it’s more about the hopefuls. It’s more about us being a part of their journey and more than anything, I want to help them make the most of their moment.”