Carrie Underwood says she's returning to 'American Idol' as judge 'feels like home'

It turns out you can go home again. One day after it was revealed that Carrie Underwood would be returning American Idol as outgoing judge Katy Perry's replacement said, the country singer said Good morning America that returning to the show that catapulted her to global stardom 20 years ago “feels like home.”

Dressed in denim shorts and matching knee-high cowboy boots, steel toes and a sequin jacket, Underwood said that sentiment is especially fitting since there are many people still working on the show who were there when she won season four. of Idol in 2005. “I feel like I've been on both sides of the coin, hopefully I can offer some insight and help,” she said of the unique skills she can bring to her new gig alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Asked what kind of judge she thinks she will be — tough, like a prototypical one Idol Simon Cowell heel, or softie like Richie — Underwood said she has a major flaw when it comes to judging. “I have a big problem,” he admitted. “I hope it's not a problem. I can't lie. I just can't. You can say. I feel like I'm going to be very honest, but hopefully, you know, I'm going to be very constructive and encouraging.”

As for whether she'll be hard on singers who just don't have it, Underwood showed some of her Oklahoma charm, saying, “Oh, no. Just ask my kids.” Underwood also took the stage for the GMA Summer Concert Series, rocking the stage on a sweaty New York City morning with the classic 2007 hit “Last Name.”

“Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum to ever join the jury. Her global superstardom as the most successful Idol The winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show,” said Megan Wolflick. Idol anchor and executive producer in a statement. “He embodies his true spirit Idol as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the opportunity to receive advice from someone who has walked right in their footsteps every step of the way. Carrie has always been a staunch supporter of it Idoland I'm excited for it to be reunited with ours Idol Family.”

During her chat, Underwood surprised a superfan named Katie Klein, who couldn't contain her excitement when the singer invited Katie and a friend out to Resorts World in Las Vegas to see Reflection country star residency. extended to spring 2025. The Grammy-winning singer just announced an upcoming collaboration with Papa Roach on a new version of the band's “Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark)” to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Its eighth season Idol on ABC is set to launch in spring 2025.

Watch Underwood's speech Idol and execute GMA below.