The New Era Of American Idol: Meet The Judges For Season 23 (2025) And The Shocking Replacement For Katy Perry

The iconic judging panel of American Idol has undergone its most significant shakeup since the show's revival on ABC, ushering in a brand-new era for the singing competition. As of the current date in December 2025, the panel for Season 23—which premiered in March 2025—features two beloved veterans and a massive, history-making addition: a former winner returning to take a seat at the judges' table. This highly-anticipated change follows the emotional departure of pop superstar Katy Perry, who served as a judge for seven consecutive seasons.

The new panel is now complete and ready to mentor a fresh batch of hopefuls, bringing a unique blend of legendary experience, modern country stardom, and the invaluable perspective of a former contestant who became one of the biggest stars in music history. The return of a former champion to the judging panel is a game-changer, promising a dynamic new chemistry that fans are eager to see unfold.

The Official American Idol Judges Panel for Season 23 (2025)

The 23rd season of American Idol, which premiered on ABC on Sunday, March 9, 2025, sees the return of host Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since its inception. The judging trio for this landmark season is a powerful combination of music industry titans.

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1. Carrie Underwood: The Champion Who Returned to Judge

The biggest news surrounding the new season is the arrival of Carrie Underwood, the winner of American Idol Season 4 (2005), who has replaced Katy Perry. Her addition brings a full-circle narrative to the show, as she is the first former winner to become a full-time judge on the main series, offering contestants mentorship from someone who has literally walked in their shoes.

• Full Name: Carrie Marie Underwood
• Born: March 10, 1983 (Muskogee, Oklahoma)
• Role: Judge (Beginning Season 23, 2025)
• Estimated Idol Salary: $10–$12 Million per season
• Estimated Net Worth: $120 Million
• Career Highlights:
  • Winner of American Idol Season 4.
  • The Highest RIAA Certified Female Country Artist of all time.
  • Recipient of 8 GRAMMY Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and 25 CMT Music Awards.
  • Has achieved 29 #1 singles across her career.
  • Honored as Billboard's Top Country Female in 2022.

2. Lionel Richie: The Global Superstar and Music Legend

Returning for his eighth season on the ABC revival, Lionel Richie continues to provide a foundation of legendary experience and soulful wisdom to the panel. His career spans decades, from his time with The Commodores to his massive solo success as a balladeer.

• Full Name: Lionel Brockman Richie Jr.
• Born: June 20, 1949 (Tuskegee, Alabama)
• Role: Judge (Seasons 16–Present)
• Estimated Idol Salary: $10 Million per season (Reported)
• Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million (Reported)
• Career Highlights:
  • Founding member of the R&B group The Commodores in the late 1960s.
  • Achieved massive solo success in the 1980s with hits like "Hello" and "All Night Long (All Night)."
  • Has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
  • Recipient of four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.
  • Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

3. Luke Bryan: The Country Music Powerhouse

The other returning veteran is country music icon Luke Bryan, whose down-to-earth charm and deep knowledge of modern country music have made him a fan favorite. His role often balances the panel, offering a blend of technical critique and encouraging support.

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• Full Name: Thomas Luther Bryan
• Born: July 17, 1976 (Leesburg, Georgia)
• Role: Judge (Seasons 16–Present)
• Estimated Idol Salary: $12 Million per season (Reported)
• Estimated Net Worth: $160 Million (Reported)
• Career Highlights:
  • Five-time winner of the Entertainer of the Year award from both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM).
  • One of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 75 million records sold.
  • First country music star to release an album with six #1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.
  • Began his career as a successful songwriter in Nashville before becoming a performer.

Why Katy Perry Left American Idol After Season 22

The biggest question for many fans of the American Idol revival was the reason behind Katy Perry's departure, which was announced shortly before the Season 22 finale in 2024. Perry had been a consistent, energetic, and often controversial presence on the panel since the show moved to ABC in 2018.

The Real Reason for Perry's Exit

Perry's decision to leave was not due to a conflict or a firing, but rather a desire to reignite her focus on her own music career and creative projects. She openly discussed feeling creatively constrained by the demands of the long-running television show.

• New Music Focus: Perry stated she felt the need to "go out and feel that pulse to my own beat" and focus on creating new music and touring.
• Creative Freedom: She reportedly called the experience "suffocating" in a creative sense, indicating the show's schedule limited her ability to pursue her own artistry.
• Legacy: Perry served for seven seasons, making her one of the longest-running judges in the show's history, alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

Her exit created the high-profile vacancy that was ultimately filled by Carrie Underwood, setting the stage for the new, exciting dynamic of Season 23.

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Katy Perry: A Look Back at Her Massive Career

Katy Perry's status as a global pop icon made her a huge draw for the American Idol revival. Her career achievements are staggering, making her one of the most decorated artists of her generation.

• Full Name: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson
• Born: October 25, 1984 (Santa Barbara, California)
• Role: Former Judge (Seasons 16–22)
• Estimated Idol Salary: $25 Million per season (Highest paid judge in Idol history)
• Estimated Net Worth: $350 Million (Reported)
• Major Accolades:
  • Recipient of 19 Guinness World Records.
  • Five Billboard Music Awards and five American Music Awards.
  • Named the Top Global Female Recording Artist in 2013 by the IFPI.
  • Has sold over 151 million digital singles globally.
  • Topped Forbes' "Top-Earning Women in Music" list in 2015.

The Significance of Carrie Underwood’s Return as a Judge

The appointment of Carrie Underwood as a judge is a monumental moment for the franchise. It’s not just a celebrity hire; it’s a strategic move that addresses the core identity of American Idol: creating superstars.

The Contestant-to-Judge Pipeline

Underwood’s journey from small-town Oklahoma girl to Season 4 winner and then a multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning artist is the ultimate Idol success story. Her presence validates the entire process for the contestants. She can speak directly to the pressures of the audition room, the challenges of song choice, and the immense pressure of the live shows, offering a level of empathy and insight that no previous judge has been able to match.

A New Dynamic on the Panel

The chemistry between the judges is crucial to the show's success, and the new trio brings a fascinating dynamic:

• The Legend (Lionel Richie): The voice of timeless music, offering mentorship on stage presence and song artistry.
• The Modern Star (Luke Bryan): The contemporary chart-topper, providing insight into the current music industry landscape, especially country music.
• The Alumna (Carrie Underwood): The embodiment of the Idol dream, offering practical, contestant-focused advice on navigating the competition and life immediately after.

This panel promises to be one of the most balanced and insightful in the show's history, perfectly positioning American Idol for continued success in its new era. The combination of industry veterans and a proven champion is a formula designed to maximize both entertainment value and the quality of the mentorship provided to the next generation of aspiring singers.