A country star will replace Katy Perry for American Idol season 23 and more to know!

We're still a ways off from American Idol's return but everyone has been on tenterhooks waiting to find out who will be taking over for Katy Perry in season 23. The Pop phenom announced that season 22 would be her last, opening the door to another music star to step in and help foster fresh talent through the singing competition.

The likes of Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Meghan Trainor, and Kelly Clarkson were floated as options, though Clarkson--the competition's first winner and most beloved contestant--has made clear she's sticking to the East Coast where her talk show films and she resides with her kids. So who is picking up the mantle? Another member of American Idol winner's circle!

Carrie Underwood joins American Idol as a judge for season 23

For the first time in the show's history, a former contestant will be a judge. The Country Music star made a name for herself on season 4 of the competition when Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell were judges. Now she'll be experiencing the series from the other side of the table.

Her experience as a contestant will serve her well and be a benefit to the singers vying for the top spot in season 23 as she knows what they're going through. Underwood is also a shining example of the kind of stardom American Idol can provide. It's been 20 years since she first auditioned and her place in music history has been cemented. That's the dream these hopefuls would like to achieve themselves if given the chance.

Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are set to return as judges and Ryan Seacrest will be back to host. We can likely expect Seacrest and Underwood to go down memory lane together as he was there when her star began to rise. Prepare for flashback video packages and homages to that era of the competition.

Release date window

An official premiere date has yet to be announced for American Idol season 23, however, it's expected to return in Spring 2025 which could mean a March release. Typically, the show airs new seasons in February, but it may be delayed due to ABC's packed schedule. We'll keep you posted as more news comes in.

When American Idol season 23 auditions start

In the meantime, auditions are set to get underway. They'll begin on Monday, Aug. 12 in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. These will be live virtual auditions that take place nationwide across all 50 states and D.C. Prospective talent will perform in front of an Idol producer and potentially move onto the judges auditions. If you miss the casting call for your state, there will be open call dates. Here's the full date list via ABC and the link to the audition website:

• Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug 12)
• Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug 14)
• Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug 16)
• Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug 19)
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug 21)
• Nationwide open call (Aug 23)
• Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug 26)
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug 28)
• Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug 29)
• West and Midwest open call (Sep 4)
• Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sep 6)
• Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C. (Sep 9)
• Nationwide open call (Sep 11)
• The South open call (Sep 13)
• East Coast open call (Sep 17)

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