Carrie Underwood Joins ‘American Idol’ As Judge

Carrie Underwood is returning to American Idol — with no fear of a bad review from Simon this time. That’s because the country star will be joining the judging panel for ABC’s 2025 season, 20 years after she won season four. Better luck next time, Meghan Trainor! Underwood is replacing Katy Perry, who’s probably wishing she didn’t leave her cushy Idol chair right about now. But hey: It’s a woman’s world, and Carrie’s lucky to be judgin’ in it. She’ll sit between Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, the first time two country singers have sat on the panel. And she’s getting to work right away, with nationwide auditions starting on August 12. Can Underwood find the next,…