Carrie Underwood Shares Her True Reaction To Katy Perry’s Exit From American Idol

We’ve heard Katy Perry’s side when it comes to Carrie Underwood replacing her on American Idol. Now, we’re hearing Carrie Underwood’s take on the whole situation.

Carrie Underwood Was Excited To Hear that Katy Perry Was Exiting American Idol After Several Years

Carrie Underwood feels right at home at American Idol after winning the competition show many years ago.

But before she could get her chance to join the long-running show, she had to wait out Katy Perry – who joined the show as a judge in 2018 – and then shoot her shot.

On February 28, 2025, Underwood told TV Insider, “When I heard (she was leaving), I thought, ‘I wonder if they would ever call me!”

Luckily, producers had the same thoughts to bring in a previous winner as the judge. Coming back to the show as a judge has stirred up beautiful memories in the “Somethin’ Bad” hitmaker, and she’s so happy to be an instrument that’ll make the dreams of many hopefuls come true.

Her presence on the show has not only thrilled fans, but has drawn praises from her co-judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, alongside judge Ryan Seacrest.

What Katy Perry Has Said About Getting Replaced With Carrie Underwood On ‘The Idol”

We loved having the ‘Legendary Lovers’ hitmaker on American Idol for the seasons she served on, but before her exit, she took the time to prep the way for her successor.

“She was born on that show,” Perry told People in January. “I think she knows how to steer it. She actually truly knows … what it feels like to be in their shoes. We could only metaphorically feel that as judges.”

Perry continued, “As artists, we’ve been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day. So I think she’s going to have a lot to offer anyone that’s willing to listen.”

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