Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' return faced many obstacles including a lucrative offer from rival show

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Carrie Underwood’s return to ‘American Idol’ was not without an abundance of drama, including a bid by the rival reality show ‘The Voice’ to rope her in as a judge. 

However, in the end, the perseverance of the ‘American Idol’ team paid off, with the 41-year-old country singer accepting to replace Katy Perry in the music reality show. 

On Thursday, August 1, it was announced that the country singer, who won the music competition in 2005, is returning to its fold - but now as a judge. She will be the third panelist along with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

However, her return wasn’t as smooth as it sounds with several obstacles lining up impending her return.

Carrie Underwood is ready to ‘give back’ to 'American Idol'

Recently, an insider shared with Daily Mail that previously whenever talks were there of Carrie Underwood’s return, the plans were thwarted by “either timing, money or other commitments.” however, the CMT Award winner’s loyalty always remained with the show that hard-launched her career. 

Thus, now that everything is aligned, the ‘Remind Me’ star is just waiting to “give back” to the show.

The source recently shared with the outlet, “They have asked Carrie in the past to be a judge and either timing, money or other commitments have got in the way to make it a reality.”

“She has been asked to coach on 'The Voice' as well, but it just never seemed right,” the insider added, before noting, “'Even with the opening she has to speak to the same people at NBC by working with 'Sunday Night Football', she has always felt that she needed to be loyal to American Idol.”

“She has always monitored the show that started her career, and now she couldn't say no,” revealed the tipster. 

They further added, “Carrie feels she is the best star to have come from 'American Idol' and judging on the show to make another superstar will help cement her legacy with the show.”

“She is looking forward to every joy she gets from giving back and is more than ready to make the show the monster show it once was,” shared the source.

Carrie Underwood is ‘proud’ of her accomplishments since winning ‘American Idol’

As the next season of ‘American Idol’ returns to ABC in Spring 2025, ‘The Champion’ songstress will mark her debut as the judge. She will also be the first ‘American Idol’ alum to grace the judge’s seat. 

Announcing her return to the show, she shared in a video, “I'm proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I'm so proud of everything that I've accomplished since.” She also said returning to the show felt like coming "home."

Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, added, “This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America's hearts on 'Idol' and launched her successful multi-Grammy Award-winning career.”

“As a former 'Idol' and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” added Erwich.